Dr. Michelle Smitley, DMD

Dr. Michelle Smitley, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at her clinic in Palmetto Bay, Florida, and is registered with 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Michelle DMD serves all ages. Please call (305) 253-6944 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Michelle Smitley, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Palmetto Bay, FL, focused on the critical role of prevention in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health. Her practice prioritizes comprehensive care, working closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for preventing dental issues. She understands that proactive measures are key to long-term well-being and strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and actively participating in their care. Dr. Michelle DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pericoronitis: Managing pericoronitis promptly, often with professional cleaning and sometimes antibiotics, is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and potential damage to surrounding teeth and tissues.
• Oral Motor Problems: Difficulty with tongue movement or lip control? These oral motor problems can affect your ability to eat and speak, so let your dentist assess and find solutions.
• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Early detection of malocclusion is key to preventing more serious dental issues; correcting a bad bite can help maintain long-term oral and overall health.
• Incisors Fused: Early detection of fused incisors is crucial, as it can impact your bite and make thorough brushing and flossing more challenging, potentially leading to oral health problems.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: With Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, teeth are more prone to damage, so consistent dental visits and preventive measures are essential to maintain oral health and prevent serious problems.
• Gum Cancer: Protecting your gum health is crucial in preventing gum cancer; regular professional cleanings and diligent oral hygiene significantly reduce your risk.
• Tooth Decay Caused by Acid Attack: Managing acid exposure through a healthy diet and good oral hygiene significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities and other oral health problems.

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

• E4D Dentist® System: Proactively safeguard your smile and overall well-being with the E4D Dentist® System; it assists in the early detection of dental problems, minimizing the need for extensive treatments later on.
• Zoom!® Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with Zoom! Teeth Whitening, a cosmetic procedure that enhances your appearance.
• Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia makes necessary dental work, like filling cavities or addressing gum disease, comfortable and manageable, supporting your overall well-being.
• Dental Prophylaxis, Child: A child's dental prophylaxis appointment is a proactive step in safeguarding their oral health, catching potential problems early and preventing future dental issues.
• Pinhole Surgical Technique: As part of your comprehensive oral health plan, consider the Pinhole Surgical Technique to help restore gum tissue and prevent further gum recession.
• Natra-Veneer: Protecting your teeth from further damage and enhancing their appearance, Natra-Veneers are a smart choice for long-term oral health.
• Nitrous Oxide Administration: Nitrous oxide sedation creates a comfortable environment for longer procedures like preventative cleanings, leading to better oral hygiene practices.

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. Michelle 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient avoided the discomfort and potential complications of pericoronitis, ensuring a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By addressing potential oral motor problems early, a family found relief from feeding difficulties and improved communication, fostering a stronger sense of well-being for everyone.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized treatment plan, a family gained peace of mind knowing their child's developing bite was being proactively monitored, reducing the risk of future dental problems.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Michelle DMD:

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

At Dr. Michelle DMD, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect 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 hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intricately 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 crucial for maintaining optimal body health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Michelle 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.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the tooth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Michelle DMD is needed to determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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. Michelle DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Michelle will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

8805 SW 144th St
Palmetto Bay FL 33176
Phone: (305) 253-6944

Dr. Michelle Smitley, 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): 1750508628

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. Michelle 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.