Dr. Michael Taras, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Wellington, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Taras 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 serving patients 65 years and older, and welcomes new patients.
Dr. Michael Taras, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Wellington, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Florida / College of Dentistry in 2000. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He utilizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Taras is fluent in Chinese and also offers consultations in Spanish. Please call (561) 204-3337 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Taras is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Taras acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He understands the importance of oral health in overall well-being, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care, maximizing comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Taras can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Dental PPO
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Regional Preferred Dental PPO
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Taras 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:
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Dysfunction: Experiencing jaw pain or clicking sounds? It might be TMJ dysfunction, a condition affecting the joint connecting your jaw to your skull; your dentist can help manage your symptoms and improve your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: Sjögren's Syndrome affects the body's moisture-producing glands, often leading to dental problems, but regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: A persistent burning feeling in your mouth, even without visible sores, might be burning mouth syndrome, and your dentist plays a key role in diagnosing and treating it.
- Salivary Duct Stones: If you experience swelling near your salivary glands, along with pain and difficulty eating, you may have salivary duct stones which are treatable.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Accidents happen, and even a small chip in a tooth can cause discomfort or infection. Your dentist can assess the damage and provide solutions, minimizing pain and protecting your oral health.
- Misshapen Teeth: Misshapen teeth might make chewing difficult; a dental professional can assess the issue and recommend solutions such as bonding, veneers, or crowns for better function and oral health.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, don't worry your dentist can help you explore different replacement options like dentures or implants, helping to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
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 Taras offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Regeneration Procedure: As part of your comprehensive dental care plan, bone regeneration may be recommended to address jawbone loss before receiving dentures or implants.
- X-Ray: X-rays are a vital tool for your dentist to identify any signs of oral cancer during routine checkups, enabling prompt detection and treatment.
- Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): For seniors with gum disease, LANAP provides a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery, potentially minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
- Restoring Teeth: Damaged teeth can be restored through various procedures, helping seniors maintain their natural teeth for longer and improving their quality of life.
- Pre-Prosthetic Surgery: Pre-prosthetic surgery might involve removing diseased tissue or reshaping bone to create the optimal base for your new teeth.
- Dentures: As part of a comprehensive care plan, dentures help maintain proper nutrition and prevent further oral health complications associated with missing teeth.
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 Taras 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:
- With gentle guidance from a caring dentist, a senior couple found relief from persistent jaw pain, allowing them to once again savor their favorite meals and enjoy lively conversations with family.
- After regular dental checkups and meticulous oral hygiene, a senior with Sjögren's Syndrome experienced a noticeable reduction in dry mouth and dental issues, allowing them to enjoy their morning coffee without discomfort.
- A senior woman, previously plagued by a persistent burning sensation in her mouth, found relief and a renewed enjoyment of meals with the help of a general dentist. Her family was thrilled to see her regain her appetite and overall well-being.
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 Taras:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is vital for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums, but also your overall 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. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Taras 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 each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis. Dr. Taras can help create a gentle, effective home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- 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 to protect and strengthen it when the tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Taras's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, but vital part of your routine dental exam. He will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for any lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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, which lacks the protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Taras can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that could be causing the sensitivity.
- 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 and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
123 S State Road 7 Ste 205
Wellington FL 33414
Phone: (561) 204-3337
Dr. Michael Taras, 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): 1427131325
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 Taras 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.