Dr. Michelle Ward was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She received her B.S. in biochemistry from Rhodes College in 1994 and her D.D.S. from the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1998. She worked in Memphis as a dentist for over 15 years before moving to Florida and obtaining her Florida dental license.
Dr. Ward lives in the Panhandle area of Florida with her husband and 11-year-old son. She enjoys bike riding, playing soccer and tennis with her family, and just relaxing at the beach. As a family, they enjoy attending and supporting the University of Memphis football and basketball teams. She especially loves watching her son play both soccer and tennis.
"Dentistry is not just my job – it's my passion. I decided at age 10 to become a dentist and have enjoyed every minute of my career. I love getting to know my patients, listening to their concerns, and helping them to decide on the best dental treatment for them and their families. I am here not only as your dentist but also as your dental educator – to explain treatment, treatment options, ways to prevent tooth decay and loss, and how to maintain a healthy smile. I strive to provide high-quality dental care in a comfortable and relaxed setting."
Dr. Angel Vasquez was born and raised in Ecuador, South America, and moved to Naples, Florida, in 2000. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts, with a minor in Biology, Chemistry, and Interdisciplinary Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University.
He advanced his studies and obtained his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Florida. After graduation in 2014, he furthered his education in dental implant placement and conscious IV sedation. Dr. Vasquez is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His kind personality, love for dentistry, and ability to communicate with patients in English and Spanish have made him well-liked as a doctor and a person by our patients at Comfort Dental Care and Orthodontics.
Welcome to Comfort Dental Care & Orthodontics, where your search for a premier dental care provider in Mary Esther comes to a delightful end! We are dedicated to delivering exceptional dental services in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our top priority is your comfort, and we strive to create a positive and enjoyable patient experience every step of the way. With our team of skilled professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, each visit is designed to be hassle-free and truly satisfying.
We are located in between El Paso Restaurant and McDonald's.
While some dental emergencies may be unavoidable, certain preventive measures can reduce the risk of emergencies. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Wear a mouthguard during sports or activities that pose a risk of dental injuries. Avoid chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools. By practicing these preventive measures, you can minimize the likelihood of dental emergencies.
Dental insurance coverage for emergency dental treatments may vary depending on your specific insurance plan. It's advisable to review your dental insurance policy or contact your insurance provider directly to understand the extent of coverage for emergency dental care. Our office staff can also assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and filing claims on your behalf.
While waiting to see an emergency dentist, you can try some at-home measures to manage severe tooth pain. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, following the recommended dosage. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. However, these measures are temporary solutions, and it's important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
If you have a tooth knocked out, it's important to act quickly. Handle the tooth by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments. Try to place the tooth back into its socket, if possible. If not, keep it moist by placing it in milk or saliva, and seek immediate dental care. The chances of saving a knocked-out tooth are highest when you receive professional attention within one hour.
In most cases, it is recommended to visit an emergency dentist for dental emergencies rather than going to the emergency room. Emergency dentists have specialized training, equipment, and expertise in addressing dental issues. They can provide targeted care and necessary dental procedures to address your specific dental emergency.
We take insurance and work with most major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Humana, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife, Principal, United Healthcare, and United Concordia. Not sure if we take your insurance? Let us check for you! It only takes a few moments, and a member of our team will reach out with more information.