Dr. Michael Taras, DMD

Dr. Michael Taras, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his Wellington, FL clinic, and is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 204-3337 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Taras, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Wellington, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Florida / College of Dentistry in 2000. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He's committed to providing personalized, preventative care tailored to each individual's needs, fostering a strong partnership in maintaining optimal oral and systemic well-being. Dr. Michael DMD is fluent in Chinese and also offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Michael DMD 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 DMD 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 DMD 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:

• Tooth Attrition: Attrition, the gradual wearing down of teeth, can be significantly reduced by adopting preventive habits and seeking professional dental advice, ensuring a long-term, healthy smile.
• Congenital Nasal Deformity: While not a dental condition itself, a congenital nasal deformity can affect facial growth, possibly impacting tooth development and alignment, making early detection and management vital.
• Edentulism: Don't let edentulism rob you of your quality of life! Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and addressing periodontal issues early can help you keep your natural teeth for life.
• Papilloma: Although most oral papillomas are benign, proactive management through regular dental visits aids in early detection and helps minimize the risk of complications or progression.
• Ankylosis of Tooth: Ankylosis of a tooth, where the tooth's root fuses to the jawbone, can lead to serious complications if not detected early, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for preventive care.
• Jaw Irregularities: Addressing jaw irregularities proactively helps maintain proper bite alignment, reducing the risk of developing more serious dental problems and improving overall oral health.
• Treacher Collins Syndrome: Treacher Collins Syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting facial development, which can impact oral health and requires early dental intervention to prevent further complications.

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 DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Photodisinfection Process: Photodisinfection offers a powerful way to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria linked to cavities and gum disease, supporting your long-term oral health.
• Orthodontic Aligners: Straightening your teeth with aligners improves oral hygiene, potentially reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease, and contributing to better overall health.
• Sirona Galileos Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): Take a proactive step toward better oral health with a Galileos Cone Beam CT scan; it helps dentists accurately diagnose conditions like impacted wisdom teeth or jawbone issues before they cause pain.
• Hidden Clasp: A hidden clasp ensures your dentures or partial dentures fit securely and comfortably, preventing irritation and promoting healthy gums.
• Retainer Therapy: Wearing your retainer as directed protects your investment in a beautiful smile and helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position.
• Oral Sedation: Oral sedation can ease apprehension about dental work, enabling dentists to effectively screen for and treat conditions like cavities and gum disease before they become serious.
• Cosmetic Procedure: By enhancing your smile with cosmetic procedures, you indirectly promote better oral health through increased self-care and regular visits.

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 DMD 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 following a personalized preventive plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of tooth attrition, maintaining a healthy, confident smile for years to come. This proactive approach ensured long-term oral health and peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing potential concerns with a preventive dentistry plan, a family gained peace of mind knowing that early detection of a congenital nasal deformity could help manage any potential impact on facial growth and potentially improve long-term oral health.
• By prioritizing regular dental checkups and meticulous oral hygiene, a patient successfully maintained their natural teeth, ensuring a confident smile and a high quality of life.

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 DMD:

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

For most people, a checkup and cleaning every six months is recommended. This allows our dentists and hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which only a professional cleaning can remove. This process is crucial for preventing cavities and, critically, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems such as 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 (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral and systemic health.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Michael DMD. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

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 DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Michael DMD can assess your oral health to ensure you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

123 S State Road 7 Ste 205
Wellington FL 33414
Phone: (561) 204-3337

Dr. Michael Taras, DMD 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): 1427131325

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 DMD 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.