Dr. Michael Russ, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at his Marco Island, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults 65 years and older. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Russ understands the unique dental needs of seniors, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of older adults, 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. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Michael V. Russ is a dedicated and compassionate dentist based in Southwest Florida, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (239) 389-9400 to schedule an appointment. His deep understanding of both dentistry and molecular biology ensures that he can address a wide range of dental concerns with precision and care. Dr. Russ emphasizes the importance of routine dental visits, ideally every six months, to catch potential issues early. He is passionate about educating patients on best practices for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, offering practical advice on brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene. Dr. Russ offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Russ is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Russ is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, addressing age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care. Dr. Russ prioritizes patient comfort and actively involves families in the treatment plan, creating a supportive environment that promotes both oral health and overall quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Russ can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Dental PPO
- Principal Financial Group
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Russ 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:
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): Having too much gum showing while smiling can be easily addressed with a consultation and minor dental procedures; it's a simple way to improve your smile's aesthetics and boost your confidence.
- Taste Disorders: Difficulty tasting food can be frustrating, but with a dental checkup, we can often identify underlying causes and develop strategies to restore your ability to enjoy the flavors of your favorite foods.
- Dry Tooth Socket: Experiencing pain or discomfort in the area where a tooth was removed? This could be a dry socket, a common but manageable post-extraction issue your dentist can address.
- Cleft Palate: While a cleft palate, a gap in the roof of the mouth, may be present from birth, advancements in dental and surgical care offer effective solutions for improved speech, eating, and overall quality of life.
- Mouth Lesions: Mouth lesions, while sometimes harmless, can sometimes indicate underlying issues and require a dentist's assessment for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, promoting better oral health and well-being.
- Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism): The unconscious grinding of teeth (bruxism) is surprisingly common and treatable; a simple visit to your dentist can provide a diagnosis and a solution, like a night guard, improving sleep quality and preventing dental damage.
- Salivary Duct Stones: Just like kidney stones, salivary duct stones form in the salivary glands and can cause significant pain and swelling, often remedied by a dental professional.
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. Michael Russ offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: Ceramic dental crowns are a strong, tooth-colored cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, helping maintain a healthy smile and improve chewing function.
- Dental Anesthesia: By minimizing discomfort, dental anesthesia helps seniors complete necessary dental work, thereby improving their overall quality of life and reducing risks of infection or pain.
- Dental Imaging: Dental imaging, like X-rays, helps your dentist see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums to detect cavities, infections, and other hidden problems.
- Dental Implant: As a crucial part of your overall dental health plan, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, helping to prevent jawbone deterioration and maintain facial structure.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance, addressing cosmetic concerns as part of a comprehensive dental plan.
- Teeth Extraction: Tooth extraction is the removal of a severely damaged or infected tooth, helping to prevent further oral health problems and improve overall comfort.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening helps remove stains and discoloration, revealing a healthier-looking smile and contributing to improved oral hygiene.
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. Michael Russ 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 retired teacher rediscovered the joy of smiling broadly at family gatherings, feeling more confident and comfortable in social situations after a consultation and simple dental procedures to address her gummy smile.
- For years, a senior woman struggled to enjoy meals, but a dental checkup uncovered a surprising cause for her taste difficulties. With a personalized treatment plan, she regained her ability to savor the flavors of her favorite foods, improving her overall quality of life.
- Following a tooth extraction, a senior felt significant discomfort from a dry socket. With the dentist's expert care, the pain subsided, and the senior regained the ability to enjoy their favorite meals without discomfort.
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. Michael Russ:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Russ'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 vital for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also overall health and well-being.
- 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 dental problem. Saliva is your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Russ can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in denture solution or water.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of damage, while a crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are needed when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, offering added strength and protection.
- 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. Dr. Russ can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis. Dr. Russ can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is taken out for cleaning.
- 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 even a full denture, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
950 N Collier Blvd
Marco Island FL 34145
Phone: (239) 389-9400
Dr. Michael Russ, 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): 1427188945
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. Michael Russ 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.