Dr. Richard Baratta, DDS

Dr. Richard Baratta, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Merritt Island, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to 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, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and serves all ages.

Dr. Richard Baratta, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Merritt Island, FL, committed to helping patients achieve optimal oral health. His practice focuses on prevention, emphasizing the importance of proactive care in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. He works to create personalized plans to prevent future issues and coordinates necessary screenings. Patients should call (321) 459-0400 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Richard DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Orofacial Pain: Managing orofacial pain effectively is key to preventing long-term discomfort and potential damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joints, so regular dental check-ups are vital.
• Lip Cancer: Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits helps your dentist identify any suspicious lip lesions, potentially preventing lip cancer progression.
• Malocclusion - Short Stature Syndrome: Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, can sometimes be linked to short stature syndrome, highlighting the importance of early dental check-ups to detect and manage potential complications.
• Burning Mouth Syndrome: Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic condition causing a burning sensation in the mouth, and early detection through regular dental checkups can help manage discomfort and prevent potential complications.
• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: While usually painless, oral hairy leukoplakia, a white patch on the tongue often associated with a compromised immune system, highlights the importance of preventive care and regular dental checkups for early detection and improved health outcomes.
• Mouth Conditions: Managing mouth conditions effectively helps protect your teeth, gums, and overall well-being, enhancing your quality of life.
• Dentin Dysplasia, Radicular: Since radicular dentin dysplasia weakens teeth, proactive dental care such as regular cleanings and fluoride treatments helps protect teeth and prevent further damage.

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

• Ridge Modification Deformitie: Maintaining a healthy jawbone is vital for your long-term oral health. We'll use screenings to catch any changes that could impact your teeth or future dental work.
• MDI Mini Dental Implant: As part of a comprehensive oral health plan, MDI Mini Dental Implants can help preserve remaining teeth and ensure a secure, comfortable fit for dentures, enhancing your confidence and chewing ability.
• Non-Extraction Treatment (for Dental Crowding): Take a proactive step towards a straighter smile and healthier teeth by exploring non-extraction treatment options for dental crowding.
• Broken Dental Appliance: Addressing a broken dental appliance promptly prevents further damage to your teeth and gums, safeguarding your overall oral health.
• 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.
• Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: This laser treatment offers a minimally invasive way to improve gum health, preventing potential complications and discomfort.
• Light Activated Teeth Whitening: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with light-activated teeth whitening; it's a safe and effective way to remove surface stains and enhance the overall aesthetic of your teeth.

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. Richard 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 attending regular dental checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing orofacial pain, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable smile.
• By maintaining diligent oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to receive early detection of a potential lip lesion, significantly reducing their risk of lip cancer progression and promoting peace of mind.
• A family was relieved to learn that early dental check-ups allowed for the proactive management of potential malocclusion issues, potentially linked to short stature syndrome, reducing future complications and providing peace of mind.

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. Richard DDS:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Richard DDS every six months for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. This allows our team 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 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.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining good oral health and, consequently, overall well-being.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This method helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

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

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Richard 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 for future care.

150 N Banana River Dr
Merritt Island FL 32952
Phone: (321) 459-0400

Dr. Richard Baratta, 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): 1871611079

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. Richard 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.