Dr. Scott Howerton, DMD

Dr. Scott Howerton, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist practicing at his clinic in Vero Beach, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care, understanding that general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. This involves 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. Please call (772) 999-2349 to confirm if Dr. Scott DMD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Scott Howerton, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Vero Beach, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His focus on prevention extends beyond the immediate dental concerns, understanding the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. He strives to build a strong, trusting relationship with each patient, recognizing that proactive care is key to maintaining optimal well-being. Dr. Scott DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gingival Fibromatosis: Preventing complications from gingival fibromatosis starts with early detection and regular dental checkups, allowing for timely intervention and management of any related issues.
• Cosmetic Peridontal Problems: Preventing further gum recession and bone loss, often associated with cosmetic periodontal issues, is key to maintaining long-term oral health.
• Orofacial Infection: Practicing good oral hygiene, including proper brushing and flossing, is vital in reducing the risk of developing painful and potentially serious orofacial infections.
• Infected Tooth Pulp: Ignoring a small cavity can result in an infected tooth pulp, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and addressing dental problems early to prevent costly and painful procedures.
• Jaw Bone Tissue Deterioration: Early intervention is key to managing jawbone deterioration; addressing gum disease and other oral health issues promptly can help preserve your jawbone's integrity.
• Treacher Collins Syndrome: Early identification of oral health problems in individuals with Treacher Collins Syndrome is vital for preventing infections, promoting healthy teeth, and improving overall quality of life.
• Oral Infection: Managing oral infections effectively minimizes the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, linked to poor oral health.

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

• Local Anesthesia: By using local anesthesia, we can perform minimally invasive procedures to address early signs of oral health issues, preventing more extensive and uncomfortable treatments later.
• Hybridge Dental Implant: For a long-term solution to missing teeth, explore Hybridge dental implants – they help prevent the progression of jawbone loss and improve your oral health.
• Edgewise Dental Braces: Edgewise braces can correct bite issues that may contribute to jaw pain and headaches, improving your overall oral and systemic well-being.
• Enamel Matrix Derivative Application: Investing in Enamel Matrix Derivative application is a smart step towards preventing cavities and maintaining the health of your enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth.
• Impacted Tooth Removal: Impacted tooth removal proactively prevents potential infections, pain, and damage to surrounding teeth by addressing trapped teeth before they cause problems.
• Photodisinfection Process: Protect your smile and overall health with photodisinfection, a painless treatment that eliminates cavity- and gum disease-causing bacteria.
• Orthotic Treatment: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with orthotic treatment; it addresses bite issues that can lead to jaw pain, tooth wear, and gum disease.

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. Scott 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 adhering to a proactive dental care plan, a patient successfully managed gingival fibromatosis, ensuring a healthy smile and reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with lasting peace of mind.
• By following a proactive preventive dentistry plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums and prevented further gum recession, ensuring a confident smile for years to come.
• By consistently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing painful orofacial infections, achieving lasting oral health.

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. Scott DMD:

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

At Dr. Scott DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, and helps us catch cavities early. Regular check-ups also 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 crucial step prevents cavities and, critically, gum disease, which has links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is significantly linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, therefore, is crucial for maintaining optimal body health.

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

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

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Scott 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.

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.

1880 37th St Ste 3
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 999-2349

Dr. Scott Howerton, 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): 1831873868

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. Scott 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.