Dr. Arleen Aportela, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Banyan Dental Care in Naples, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. Dr. Arleen Aportela understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that oral health significantly impacts overall well-being.
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. Arleen Aportela 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. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (239) 214-7353 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Arleen Aportela, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Naples, FL. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Arleen Aportela provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Arleen Aportela is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Aportela is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She meticulously manages age-related dental issues, like dry mouth and gum disease, while fostering strong collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. This holistic approach prioritizes not just the teeth, but the entire health picture, promoting comfort and independence for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Arleen Aportela can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Arleen Aportela 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:
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: That clicking sound when you open or close your mouth might indicate a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a condition easily addressed by your dentist through personalized treatment plans to minimize discomfort and maintain your independence.
- Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth might be concerning, but many effective treatments are available. Your dentist can determine the source of the discoloration and recommend a personalized plan to restore the appearance of your teeth and improve your self-esteem.
- Dental Injury: Even minor dental injuries, like a knocked-out filling, need attention to prevent further damage and potential infection; your dentist can quickly and effectively address the issue, ensuring your comfort and oral health.
- Dental Trauma: Dental trauma can range from minor chips to serious injuries, but with timely treatment from your dentist, you can restore your oral health and feel more confident in your smile.
- Toothache: If you're dealing with a toothache, it's important to seek dental care right away. Your dentist can assess the pain, determine the source (like a cavity or impacted wisdom tooth), and create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.
- 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.
- Mouth Conditions: From simple toothaches to more complex problems like dentures that don't fit well, various mouth conditions can impact daily life; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and treatment to maintain oral health and reduce discomfort.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: That lingering bad taste can affect your enjoyment of food and drinks, impacting your nutrition and overall well-being. A visit to your dentist might reveal a simple fix to this common problem.
- Gingivitis: Maintaining healthy gums is crucial as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, can be prevented or reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, improving overall comfort and oral health.
- Tooth Damage: Protecting your teeth from further damage is crucial for maintaining your independence and quality of life; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment are key.
- 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.
- Canker Sore: A canker sore is a small, painful ulcer inside your mouth that usually heals on its own within a week or two, and your dentist can suggest ways to manage the discomfort.
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. Arleen Aportela offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Regular dental visits and, if necessary, the use of amalgam fillings as a restorative treatment, can play a critical role in preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
- Dental Cleaning: Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- 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.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services are essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, helping seniors maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being.
- Dental Implant: To address missing teeth and enhance your quality of life, dental implants provide a secure, natural-looking replacement that improves your ability to eat and smile with confidence.
- Root Canal: If you have a tooth with significant decay or injury, a root canal can be a key component of your comprehensive dental care plan to address pain and maintain oral health.
- 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: While not always medically necessary, teeth whitening can be a valuable cosmetic procedure to enhance your self-esteem and overall oral health strategy.
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. Arleen Aportela 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:
- Mrs. Hernandez's clicking jaw significantly reduced after personalized treatment plans, allowing her to enjoy her favorite hobby of knitting without the constant discomfort. Her family felt immense relief knowing she could now maintain her independent lifestyle.
- A senior woman, previously self-conscious about her discolored teeth, regained her confidence to smile freely, enjoying social gatherings and conversations with renewed zest.
- Following a chipped tooth, a senior felt immediate relief from discomfort and regained confidence in smiling and eating, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals with family again.
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. Arleen Aportela:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Aportela's practice emphasizes the crucial link between oral and overall 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 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 a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Aportela 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 to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and 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 appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Aportela can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, our jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Aportela can reline your dentures to create a more comfortable fit, or make a new set if needed, ensuring a proper fit for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Aportela performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. She visually inspects the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat, and gently palpates the jaw and neck for any unusual signs. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Banyan Dental Care
1250 Tamiami Trl N Ste 107
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 214-7353
Dr. Arleen Aportela, 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): 1538659883
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. Arleen Aportela 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.