Dr. Brian Harrington, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Creekwood Dental in Bradenton, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care specifically for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring his patients receive the highest quality care within the established legal and ethical framework. Dr. Harrington understands the unique dental needs of those 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes providing comprehensive oral care, managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being.
Dr. Harrington is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (941) 241-4307 to schedule an appointment. He resides in Bradenton, FL with his wife, Tina, and their sons, Brooks Liam and Taylor Dominik. Faith is a cornerstone of their lives, evident in his dental mission trips to Guatemala in 2009 and 2010. Dr. Harrington's commitment to providing excellent dental work in a caring and relaxing environment stems from a deep-seated desire to build trust and educate the community he serves. He enjoys competing in triathlons, going to the beach, fishing, and spending time with his family. Dr. Brian Harrington provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Brian Harrington is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Harrington partners with seniors to navigate the complexities of aging health, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He meticulously addresses age-related dental concerns, like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being for each patient. His approach prioritizes understanding individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment where seniors feel heard and empowered to maintain their optimal quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Brian Harrington can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Dental
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Delta Dental of Washington
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Network of America
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- DenteMax
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Brian Harrington provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Tender Gums: Tenderness in your gums might indicate an underlying issue that can impact your oral health and overall well-being; your dentist can address the issue and improve your comfort.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss, a common concern as we age, can be managed effectively with various replacement options like dentures, bridges, or implants, improving chewing, speaking, and overall confidence.
- Mouth Conditions: Various mouth conditions can affect eating, speaking, and even self-confidence, but with proper dental care and treatment, many of these issues can be effectively managed, preserving independence and quality of life.
- Toothache: If you're dealing with a toothache, it's important to seek dental care right away. Your dentist can assess the pain, determine the source (like a cavity or impacted wisdom tooth), and create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.
- Canker Sore: Canker sores, those annoying little mouth ulcers, can be treated with over-the-counter remedies to soothe the pain and promote faster healing, and your dentist can provide guidance on appropriate treatment.
- Tooth Discoloration: Tooth discoloration, a change in your teeth's color, can be addressed by your dentist through professional cleaning, whitening treatments, or veneers to restore a brighter smile and boost your confidence.
- Tooth Damage: Addressing tooth damage promptly helps maintain your overall oral health, reducing the risk of infections and improving your confidence in smiling and speaking.
- Gum Disease: Experiencing bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath could be signs of gum disease; seeking prompt professional care from your dentist allows for early intervention and preservation of your teeth.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: A persistent bad taste in your mouth can be bothersome, but your dentist can help identify the cause, whether it's poor oral hygiene, a medical condition, or even certain medications, and recommend ways to improve it.
- Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can impact your confidence and ability to eat properly, but a dentist can assess the situation, explore treatment options like crowns or implants, and restore your smile and quality of life.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, happens when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage your tooth enamel, leading to holes in your teeth that can cause pain and discomfort, but regular dental checkups and treatments can prevent further damage and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Sensitive Teeth: Don't let sensitive teeth prevent you from enjoying a healthy and delicious diet. Your dentist can provide relief and effective treatments to help you manage this common age-related concern and enjoy mealtimes again.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Brian Harrington offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings serve as a key element in maintaining oral function and comfort by restoring damaged teeth to their original shape and function.
- Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleanings are a key part of your overall health plan, allowing your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
- Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, helping maintain your smile and ability to eat comfortably.
- Dental Hygiene Services: These services help diagnose potential issues early, contributing to a comprehensive healthcare strategy that considers your senior's overall health and quality of life.
- Dental Implant: If you're dealing with missing teeth, dental implants can be incorporated into your comprehensive dental care plan to restore your smile, improve your bite, and prevent further oral health problems.
- Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the root to prevent further infection and pain.
- Teeth Extraction: Extraction may be necessary to manage severe gum disease or a tooth that's causing chronic pain or discomfort, improving a senior's quality of life.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Brian Harrington is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- A senior citizen, experiencing discomfort from tender gums, found relief and improved oral health through professional care. This allowed them to resume enjoying their favorite foods and social gatherings without pain or embarrassment.
- A senior citizen rediscovered the joy of eating a wide variety of foods, previously difficult to enjoy due to missing teeth, after receiving expert guidance on tooth replacement options. The family felt a significant reduction in stress and anxiety related to mealtimes and social interactions.
- With improved oral health, a senior woman rediscovered the joy of eating a variety of foods, enhancing her overall well-being and social interactions.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Brian Harrington:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Harrington's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also overall health and wellness.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it's a significant dental concern. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Harrington can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel, making teeth more sensitive. Dr. Harrington can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other problems like cavities or cracked teeth.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Harrington can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- Are dental implants a safe and good option for older adults?
- Dental implants are often an excellent solution for older adults with sufficient jawbone health. They are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or full denture and preventing slipping. This can be a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Harrington will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel the jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, to provide strength and protection.
Creekwood Dental
5210 Creekwood Blvd
Bradenton FL 34203
Phone: (941) 241-4307
Dr. Brian Harrington, 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): 1659678985
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Brian Harrington are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.