Dr. Michael Spencer, DDS

Dr. Michael Spencer, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. His approach is deeply rooted in the philosophy that general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and he serves all ages.

Dr. Michael DDS's focus on prevention extends to all aspects of oral health, from routine checkups and cleanings to advanced preventive measures. He understands that a healthy mouth is a vital part of overall well-being, and he is dedicated to providing the education and tools necessary for patients to maintain optimal oral health throughout their lives. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 355-5531 to schedule. Dr. Michael Spencer, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Michael DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Michael DDS is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Michael DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Michael DDS provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Jaw Irregularities: Preventing future dental complications, such as TMJ issues or uneven wear on teeth, starts with identifying and managing jaw irregularities early on through regular dental checkups.
• Tooth Displacement: Early treatment of a displaced tooth significantly improves the chances of successful reimplantation and prevents long-term complications.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: A bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of poor oral hygiene or underlying health issues, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Dentin Dysplasia, Radicular: Managing radicular dentin dysplasia involves careful monitoring and preventative dentistry to reduce the risk of infections, tooth loss, and other oral health issues.
• Crossbite: Managing a crossbite helps prevent uneven wear and tear on your teeth, improving chewing function and reducing the risk of more serious dental problems later.
• Orofacial Pain: Experiencing orofacial pain? Don't ignore it; prompt evaluation can help identify the root cause and prevent further issues impacting your oral health and overall well-being.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Don't ignore jaw clicking – it might signal TMJ trouble. Early detection and management with your dentist will help you prevent future jaw pain and dysfunction.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Michael DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Orthodontic Treatment, Early: Early orthodontic intervention can prevent severe tooth crowding or misalignment, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid cavities.
• Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS): Protect your smile's long-term health with computer-assisted surgery. This technology assists in more accurate treatment planning, leading to improved results and reduced risks associated with dental procedures.
• Dental Sealant: Dental sealants are a proactive way to protect your children's teeth from cavities by creating a shield over the chewing surfaces of their molars.
• Intraoral Camera: For a comprehensive assessment of your oral health, the intraoral camera provides detailed images, assisting your dentist in identifying potential issues and creating a personalized prevention plan.
• Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better gum health with Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy; this innovative treatment helps detect and address periodontal issues early, reducing the need for more extensive procedures.
• Bite Plate: A bite plate can be a valuable tool in managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, protecting your oral health and preventing more serious issues.
• Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneer: Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneers offer a quick and effective way to improve your smile's appearance while protecting your teeth from further damage and decay.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Michael DDS is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized treatment plan, a family proactively addressed potential jaw irregularities, significantly reducing their risk of future dental complications and enjoying a healthier, more comfortable smile.
• A young athlete, concerned about a potential sports-related injury, proactively scheduled a check-up with the preventive dentist. Early intervention allowed for a preventative plan to reduce the risk of tooth displacement, ensuring a healthy smile and continued participation in their favorite activities.
• A patient, noticing a persistent bad taste in their mouth, sought preventive dental care, leading to the early detection of a minor infection and a quick, effective treatment plan. This proactive approach ensured the patient avoided more serious oral health issues and maintained a healthy smile and good overall well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Michael DDS:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Michael DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, identify cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, therefore, is an essential part of maintaining optimal body health.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Michael DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Michael DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Michael DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Michael DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For these patients, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

1061 Riverside Ave Ste 101
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 355-5531

Dr. Michael Spencer, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1245340249

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Michael DDS are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.