Dr. Michelle Orris, DMD is a General Dentist committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. She practices at her clinic in Plantation, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Orris understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes addressing age-related dental issues, such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being.
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in dental care, Dr. Orris brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida in 2006 and is currently welcoming new patients. Her philosophy, "I aspire to provide quality care to enhance the smile and establish good health among my patients," reflects her dedication to helping seniors maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being. Dr. Orris provides consultations primarily in English. To schedule an appointment, please call (954) 581-0100.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michelle Orris is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michelle Orris is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan for optimal oral and systemic health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michelle Orris can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- 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. Michelle Orris 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:
- Tooth Avulsion: A knocked-out tooth can be a frightening experience, but rapid treatment by a dentist can increase the chances of successfully saving the tooth and maintaining your oral health.
- 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.
- Jaw Tumor: Jaw tumors, whether benign or cancerous, can impact chewing, speaking, and overall oral health; early detection and appropriate treatment, often involving a team of specialists, are crucial for managing this condition.
- Crossbite: If your teeth don't meet properly, causing one or more upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth, it's called a crossbite; your dentist can help improve this with treatment options for easier chewing and a more confident smile.
- 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.
- Pericoronitis: Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can help prevent or quickly address pericoronitis, reducing the risk of severe complications and ensuring your oral health stays on track.
- Dental Spacing: Wider spaces between your teeth can impact eating and your overall well-being, but your dentist can help determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatment to restore your comfort and confidence, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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. Michelle Orris offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Root Planing: To maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss, root planing is a crucial treatment option that tackles the underlying causes of gum disease, helping you keep your natural teeth longer.
- Intraoral Camera: During your check-up, the intraoral camera assists your dentist in providing a thorough oral cancer screening, helping catch any potential problems early.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Regular non-surgical gum treatments help detect gum problems early, allowing for less invasive and more effective solutions.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment plan to restore your mouth's function and aesthetics, addressing multiple dental issues simultaneously.
- Dental Bridge: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a dental bridge helps manage the consequences of missing teeth, preventing further dental issues and improving your quality of life.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for repairing decayed or damaged teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence.
- Dental Crown: If a filling isn't enough to repair a significantly damaged tooth, a crown provides a durable, long-lasting solution, ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
- Single Visit Root Canals: This procedure helps save a severely damaged tooth, preventing the need for extraction and maintaining your natural smile and healthy chewing function.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoration of dental implants helps preserve your smile and confidence, allowing you to enjoy eating and social interactions without discomfort.
- Digital X-Ray (CDR): Digital X-rays provide detailed images of your teeth and gums, helping your dentist detect cavities, gum disease, or other problems early on.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
- Root Canal: As part of your ongoing dental health, a root canal can address severe toothaches and restore a tooth's function, helping you eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
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. Michelle Orris 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:
- After a fall, a senior's knocked-out tooth was quickly treated, allowing them to resume their favorite activity of eating crunchy apples without discomfort.
- A senior was able to enjoy meals with family again, feeling more confident and comfortable, thanks to a personalized treatment plan for managing their tooth loss.
- After a jaw tumor diagnosis, a senior and their family found relief from the persistent pain and difficulty chewing. With the support of a general dentist, they were able to resume their favorite hobby of making homemade bread, a cherished family tradition.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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)
- Recognized for We Care Clinic, Santa Fe Community College, 2005, 2009
- Recognized for University of Florida Project HEAL Mission Trip to Ecuador, 2006
- Recognized for work with Give Kids a Smile, 2002-Prese
- Recognized for Eric Yerman Benefit, Sebastian Ferrero Foundation, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and March of Dimes, 2006-Prese
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Michelle Orris:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. 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 not just for your teeth, but for maintaining your overall health.
- 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 is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Orris can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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. Orris will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto existing teeth.
- 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.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to periodontitis if untreated. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Orris can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Orris can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Orris understands that dentures can become loose over time due to natural changes in the jawbone and gums. A relining procedure can often reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the existing one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
7500 NW 5th St Ste 103
Plantation FL 33317
Phone: (954) 581-0100
Dr. Michelle Orris, 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): 1598815904
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. Michelle Orris 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.