Dr. Bennie Clark, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Today's Dentistry of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care specifically for older adults, 65 years and older. 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. 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. Clark is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Bennie Clark, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL. He is accepting new patients and is dedicated to providing the best possible dental care for seniors in the community. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, focusing on managing age-related conditions and promoting overall well-being. His practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each patient feels comfortable and informed throughout their care. Dr. Clark provides consultations primarily in English. To schedule an appointment, please call (904) 643-6033.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Bennie Clark is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Clark, a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, understands the unique needs of aging adults. He provides comprehensive dental care, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, while meticulously collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being. His personalized approach prioritizes the patient's comfort and independence, creating a supportive environment for optimal health outcomes.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Bennie Clark can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Dental
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Coventry Health Care
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Delta Dental of Washington
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Network of America
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- DenteMax
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- Principal Financial Group
- Superior Health Plan
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
- Wellpath Preferred PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Bennie Clark 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:
- Cavity: That bothersome cavity is a sign of tooth decay that needs attention; your dentist can easily fill it to stop the decay, prevent future problems, and maintain your ability to enjoy eating.
- Tooth Decay: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, are essential steps to prevent tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile throughout your golden years.
- Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, a common mishap, can be easily repaired by your dentist, restoring both your smile's appearance and your confidence in chewing comfortably.
- Tooth Loss: Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and quality of life, but advancements in dental technology provide safe and effective solutions to replace them and improve your oral health and overall well-being.
- Gingivitis: If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, it might be gingivitisa gum infection easily treated with professional cleaning and improved brushing, helping maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth, a common issue as we age, cause sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods, but your dentist can help manage this discomfort with treatments like fluoride applications or desensitizing toothpaste.
- Dental Trauma: Dental trauma, such as a chipped tooth or broken denture, can be painful and affect your ability to eat comfortably, but your dentist can repair or replace damaged teeth to restore your enjoyment of meals.
- Toothache: A toothache can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to enjoy meals and even sleep. Your dentist is the best resource for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause, helping you regain comfort and confidence.
- Swollen Gums: Notice your gums looking puffy? This could signal gum disease, but with prompt attention from your dentist, treatment like cleaning and medication can prevent more serious problems and maintain your ability to eat comfortably.
- Tooth Abscess: Experiencing intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity in your tooth? It may be an abscess. Your dentist can provide effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent complications.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: A persistent bad taste in your mouth can be bothersome, but your dentist can help identify the cause, whether it's poor oral hygiene, a medical condition, or even certain medications, and recommend ways to improve it.
- Canker Sore: While usually not serious, canker sores can cause significant discomfort, making eating and talking difficult; your dentist can offer advice to help manage your pain and prevent future occurrences.
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. Bennie Clark 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: Through a thorough cleaning, your dentist can assess the health of your mouth, identifying potential problems early for effective management and treatment.
- Dental Crown: As part of your ongoing dental care, a crown can effectively restore a tooth's function and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on.
- 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: As a crucial part of your overall dental health plan, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, helping to prevent jawbone deterioration and maintain facial structure.
- Root Canal: By removing infected tissue inside the tooth and carefully sealing the area, a root canal can resolve pain and save a tooth from requiring extraction.
- Teeth Extraction: Sometimes, removing a tooth is a crucial step in preparing for the placement of dentures, bridges, or dental implants, ensuring a successful outcome for tooth replacement.
- Teeth Whitening: Incorporating teeth whitening into your dental care can help you maintain a beautiful smile throughout your senior years.
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. Bennie Clark 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 felt a renewed sense of joy in eating their favorite fruits and vegetables, no longer experiencing the discomfort of a bothersome cavity. The family rejoiced in the simple act of enjoying meals together without pain.
- Grandma finally felt confident smiling again, enjoying her favorite applesauce without pain, thanks to regular dental checkups and improved oral hygiene.
- A senior citizen, previously hesitant to enjoy crunchy foods, regained confidence in their ability to chew comfortably after a chipped tooth was repaired. This simple procedure restored their enjoyment of favorite meals and a renewed sense of well-being.
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. Bennie Clark:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for 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 checkups and cleanings are essential 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, 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. Clark can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your 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're a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent, fixed appliance cemented to your teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth to replace missing ones.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Dr. Bennie Clark can help create an effective and gentle home care routine to reverse this, often with a professional cleaning.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing tooth roots lacking enamel protection. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Clark can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other problems like cavities or cracked teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Bennie Clark's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can affect denture fit. A relining procedure can reshape the underside of the denture for a better fit, or a new denture can be created 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?
- Dr. Bennie Clark performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. This involves visually inspecting the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feeling the jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Today's Dentistry of Jacksonville
1651 Southside Connector Ste 3
Jacksonville FL 32225
Phone: (904) 643-6033
Dr. Bennie Clark, 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): 1437173697
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. Bennie Clark 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.