Dr. A Santos, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, at her Orlando, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the unique dental needs of seniors. 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. Dr. Santos is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (407) 737-9444 to schedule an appointment.
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in dental care, Dr. A Santos brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. A native of Bogota, Colombia, she earned her dental degree from El Bosque University in 1996, followed by a public health specialty from the University EL Rosario. In 2009, she furthered her education at the University of Florida, graduating from the IEDP program. Her practice encompasses a wide range of dental services, from routine cleanings to complex restorative and cosmetic procedures, all with a focus on individualized treatment plans. Dr. Santos is an active member of several dental associations and currently lives in Orlando with her husband and daughters. She is committed to addressing all dental needs in one location, offering various treatment options, and ensuring patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their care. Dr. A Santos offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. A Santos is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Santos is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care with a compassionate touch. She understands the unique needs of older adults, addressing not only immediate dental concerns but also age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Her approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic, person-centered plan, maximizing oral and overall well-being for a comfortable and independent lifestyle.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. A Santos 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
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- 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 PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. A Santos 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: Sore gums can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of your gum tenderness and provide relief, helping you maintain your independence and enjoy meals.
- Sensitive Teeth: Experiencing discomfort or pain in your teeth when exposed to temperature changes or certain foods is a sign of sensitive teeth, a condition easily addressed by your dentist through various treatments that can restore comfort to your daily meals.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
- Tartar Buildup: Tartar buildup is a common dental issue where mineralized plaque hardens on your teeth, potentially causing gum problems; professional cleanings from your dentist remove this to prevent further issues.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where your gums become inflamed and may bleed easily, often manageable with improved brushing and flossing techniques.
- Cracked Tooth: If you have a cracked tooth, it's crucial to see your dentist right away; delaying treatment could lead to more extensive damage, infection, or even tooth loss, impacting your ability to eat comfortably.
- 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.
- Dental Trauma: Accidents happen, and a fall or bump can cause dental trauma. Thankfully, your dentist has the expertise to repair or replace damaged teeth, improving your smile and confidence.
- Misaligned Teeth: Misaligned teeth, or malocclusion, can make chewing and speaking more difficult, but a dentist can help improve comfort and function with braces, aligners, or other solutions.
- Tooth Decay: Untreated tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems like infections or tooth loss, negatively affecting your ability to eat and speak clearly. Regular dental care will help prevent such issues and keep you healthy and independent.
- Mouth Conditions: Addressing mouth conditions, whether it's preventing gum disease, fixing a chipped tooth, or getting fitted for dentures, is about more than just aesthetics; it's about ensuring you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence and comfort.
- Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a serious but treatable cancer affecting the mouth's lining; early detection through regular dental checkups greatly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
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. A Santos offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Restoration of Dental Implants: By restoring your dental implants, you're actively participating in a comprehensive oral health plan that prioritizes function, comfort, and longevity.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can brighten your smile and boost your confidence, enhancing your overall well-being as part of a comprehensive dental care plan.
- Dental Restoration: Through dental restoration, your dentist can improve the function and appearance of your teeth, boosting your confidence and overall well-being.
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: To improve the longevity and functionality of a compromised tooth, your dentist might recommend a ceramic crown as a restorative treatment option, helping prevent future dental issues.
- 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.
- Periodontal Exam: By identifying issues like gum disease early, a periodontal exam helps create a personalized plan to protect your oral health and maintain your smile.
- Single Visit Root Canals: By completing the root canal in a single visit, your dentist minimizes discomfort and streamlines the treatment process for a more efficient and comfortable experience.
- Dental Inlays: To preserve your natural teeth for years to come, inlays provide a conservative approach to tooth repair, often avoiding more extensive procedures.
- Porcelain Veneers: To address aesthetic issues and improve the look of your smile, your dentist might recommend porcelain veneers as a long-lasting solution within your overall dental care strategy.
- 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.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: As part of your regular dental checkup, ultrasonic cleaning ensures your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned, contributing to a comprehensive plan for your overall health and well-being.
- Air Abrasion: Air abrasion can be a less invasive alternative to traditional dental drills for seniors, making it a more comfortable option for sensitive 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. A Santos 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 with professional guidance. Chewing her favorite foods and speaking with ease brought a renewed sense of joy to her daily life.
- Grandma enjoyed her morning ice cream again without the painful twinges, a simple pleasure restored thanks to professional guidance. Her family rejoiced at the renewed joy in her daily routine.
- With the help of a skilled dentist, a senior couple regained the ability to enjoy their favorite meals, previously a source of frustration and discomfort due to tooth loss. They felt renewed confidence and a significant improvement in their overall well-being.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. A Santos:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Regular dental care is vital for your overall health, not just your teeth. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Visiting Dr. A. Santos for regular checkups and cleanings helps maintain your systemic 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 can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. A. Santos can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Santos can reline the denture to create a better fit, or make a new one if the existing denture is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture 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.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, cemented in place. A partial denture, on the other hand, is a removable appliance that clips onto existing teeth to fill in the gaps.
- 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're a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or full denture, and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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 roots. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Santos 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?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Santos can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
5211 Curry Ford Rd
Orlando FL 32812
Phone: (407) 737-9444
Dr. A Santos, DDS 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): 1275761769
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. A Santos 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.