Dr. Wilbur Bakke III, DDS

Dr. Wilbur Bakke III, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Sarasota, FL, 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Wilbur DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Wilbur Bakke III, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Sarasota, FL. He is accepting new patients of all ages. His focus on prevention emphasizes the importance of early intervention and ongoing maintenance to prevent future dental issues. Understanding that oral health is deeply connected to overall wellness, Dr. Wilbur DDS prioritizes a personalized approach, ensuring each patient receives a tailored plan for optimal oral and systemic health. Please call (941) 923-6363 to schedule your appointment and begin your proactive health journey.

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

• Overjet: Untreated overjet might lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and tooth wear, emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care to address this bite issue.
• 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.
• Ankylosis: Early detection of ankylosis, a condition where a tooth fuses to the jawbone, is crucial for preventing misalignment, tooth loss, and other oral health issues.
• Lip Cancer: Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits helps your dentist identify any suspicious lip lesions, potentially preventing lip cancer progression.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type II: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type II, weakens tooth enamel and dentin, proactive dental care, including regular checkups and appropriate treatments, helps prevent further issues and maintain oral health.
• Dental Injury: Preventing dental injuries starts with proactive measures such as avoiding risky activities or using safety equipment, protecting your teeth and gums from harm.
• Mouth Ulcer: Chronic mouth ulcers can sometimes signal more serious conditions; proactive oral health maintenance helps identify these issues early.

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

• Special Needs Patients-General Care: Ensure your oral health is optimally managed with our special needs dental care, focusing on early detection and prevention of cavities and gum disease.
• Dental Prophylaxis, Adult: Invest in your long-term oral health with a dental prophylaxis: a professional cleaning that helps identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
• Guided Tissue Regeneration: As a proactive measure against severe gum disease, guided tissue regeneration uses special membranes to promote the regrowth of bone and gum tissue around your teeth.
• Natra-Veneer: Invest in your smile and overall well-being with Natra-Veneer; it offers a beautiful solution that strengthens your teeth while protecting them from decay.
• Dental Prophylaxis: Dental prophylaxis, or a professional cleaning, is a proactive step to remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Smile Makeovers: Enhance your smile and improve your overall health with a smile makeover; this comprehensive assessment helps detect and address issues before they become significant.
• Laser Lingual Frenectomy: Invest in your long-term oral health by exploring a laser lingual frenectomy. This procedure can correct a tongue tie, leading to better cleaning and a reduced risk of gum disease and cavities.

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. Wilbur 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 proactively addressing potential overjet issues through regular checkups, a family gained confidence in their oral health and reduced the risk of future TMJ problems and tooth wear.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient learned about the early signs of burning mouth syndrome, allowing for prompt management and a significant reduction in discomfort. This proactive approach helped them maintain a positive quality of life.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive oral health plan, a family was reassured that early detection of potential ankylosis issues was possible, significantly reducing their risk of future complications.

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. Wilbur DDS:

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

At Dr. Wilbur DDS, we recommend visiting for check-ups and cleanings every six months. 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 crucial step prevents 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 closely linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, such as regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining good overall health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

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

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

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

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

3951 Swift Rd
Sarasota FL 34231
Phone: (941) 923-6363

Dr. Wilbur Bakke III, 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): 1770613937

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. Wilbur 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.