Dr. Benjamin Grooters, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care for his patients. Dr. Grooters understands the unique needs of his senior patients, 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 serves patients 65 years and older, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 877-0215 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Benjamin Grooters, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tallahassee, FL, with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 2007, and his commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine ensures that each patient receives personalized care. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Grooters provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Benjamin Grooters is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Grooters acts as a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, addressing not only immediate dental concerns but also the impact of oral health on overall well-being. His approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and coordinated plan of care, promoting optimal oral and general health for a more comfortable and independent senior lifestyle.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Benjamin Grooters 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
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- 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
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Benjamin Grooters 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:
- Leukoplakia: Sometimes, painless white patches appear in the mouth; this is called leukoplakia, and your dentist can assess it to ensure it doesn't pose a risk.
- Facial Trauma: Falls and accidents can lead to facial trauma, causing tooth damage or jaw fractures; your dentist can diagnose and treat these injuries, helping you maintain your independence and avoid long-term complications.
- Hypodontia: Hypodontia means you were born without some of your adult teeth, but don't worry! Your dentist can work with you to find suitable replacement options for a healthy, confident smile.
- Oral Motor Problems: Changes in mouth muscle strength or coordination can affect eating and speaking; a dentist can assess these issues and suggest strategies or devices to support your independence.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a wide range of issues affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth, and regular dental checkups help detect and manage them effectively, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: If you experience a constant burning feeling in your mouth, it could be burning mouth syndrome, a condition your dentist can assess and help you find ways to cope with.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Don't let jaw clicking affect your enjoyment of meals or conversations. A dentist can diagnose and treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, often improving function and reducing pain with minimal intervention, keeping you comfortable and active.
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. Benjamin Grooters offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Composite Fillings: A comprehensive approach to senior dental care often includes composite fillings as a way to preserve natural teeth and maintain oral health for years to come.
- Dental Bridge: In your senior care journey, a dental bridge serves as a long-term solution, preventing further jawbone resorption and improving your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy life's flavors.
- 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 Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a stable base for replacement teeth, improving chewing and speaking ability and boosting your confidence.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Regular restoration appointments for dental implants help your dentist monitor the health of your jawbone and implants, catching potential problems early.
- Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the root to prevent further infection and pain.
- Root Planing: As part of your comprehensive dental care, root planing helps manage gum disease by smoothing the tooth roots, allowing your gums to heal and reducing inflammation.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions play a crucial role in preparing the mouth for dentures or other restorative procedures, supporting a better quality of life.
- Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy.
- 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.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: This advanced cleaning method helps your dentist detect early signs of gum disease or tooth decay, allowing for prompt treatment and preserving your teeth for years to come.
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. Benjamin Grooters 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:
- Grandma finally felt confident enough to enjoy her favorite spicy Indian food again, after the dentist's care helped resolve the concerning white patches in her mouth.
- Following a fall, a senior felt significantly more secure at home, thanks to a dentist's expert care that addressed the facial trauma and restored her confidence in daily activities. The family was relieved that their loved one could enjoy meals and conversations without pain or discomfort.
- A senior woman, previously self-conscious about her smile due to missing teeth, regained confidence and the ability to enjoy eating her favorite foods with the help of replacement options.
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. Benjamin Grooters:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene, including regular dental checkups and cleanings, 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. Your dental care is an essential part of maintaining your overall health and wellness.
- 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 dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Grooters can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 your existing teeth.
- 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 a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when the tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- 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, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Grooters can help create an effective and gentle home care routine to reverse this, often with a professional cleaning.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Grooters's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can cause dentures to loosen. We offer relining to reshape the denture base for a better fit, or a new denture if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Grooters will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or changes and gently check your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
1318 E 6th Ave
Tallahassee FL 32303
Phone: (850) 877-0215
Dr. Benjamin Grooters, 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): 1134301872
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. Benjamin Grooters 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.