Dr. Carina Canizares, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Westchase Esthetic Family Dentistry in Tampa, FL. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Canizares is passionate about dentistry and committed to her patients' best interests, viewing her role as a healer rather than a "fixer." She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (813) 792-8211 to schedule an appointment. Raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Dr. Canizares graduated from LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, FL after completing a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida. She earned her medical degree from Lecom and offers consultations in Spanish.
Dr. Canizares's approach to dentistry is deeply rooted in meticulous attention to detail, allowing her to deliver beautiful and quality care. She continuously seeks to stay abreast of the latest innovations and techniques through ongoing professional development courses. Beyond her professional pursuits, she maintains a healthy lifestyle, enjoys running and diverse exercise, and is actively involved in her community, volunteering to provide free dental care to children and recently participating in a mission trip to Peru to offer free dentistry to 300 patients. As a doctor, she is committed to exceptional patient care, tailoring her approach to each individual. She is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Pinellas County Dental Association, and her passion for dentistry shines through in every interaction. Her commitment to comprehensive care, coupled with her dedication to staying current with advancements in the field, ensures that her patients receive the highest quality of dental care.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Carina Canizares is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Carina Canizares is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She expertly manages age-related oral health concerns like dry mouth and gum disease, and proactively collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of dental and systemic health in this population.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Carina Canizares can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
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 Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- 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. Carina Canizares 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:
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, happens when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage your tooth enamel, leading to holes in your teeth that can cause pain and discomfort, but regular dental checkups and treatments can prevent further damage and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Broken Tooth: A broken tooth doesn't have to mean the end of comfortable eating. Your dentist can offer various solutions, from a simple repair to a more substantial restoration, depending on the severity of the break, ensuring you can continue enjoying meals.
- Dental Disorders: Many dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, can be easily treated with prompt care, preserving your teeth and preventing more serious conditions that could impact your daily life.
- Gingivitis: Inflamed and irritated gums, known as gingivitis, can be addressed through better oral care habits and professional cleaning by your dentist to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
- Misaligned Teeth: Misaligned teeth can impact your confidence and self-esteem. Your dentist can discuss various treatment options to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile, boosting your confidence.
- Toothache: That nagging toothache can make eating and sleeping difficult. Your dentist can diagnose the problem, such as a cracked tooth or abscess, and offer solutions to restore your oral health and overall well-being.
- 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.
- Cavity: Cavities develop when bacteria break down tooth enamel, causing a small hole that can lead to toothache and potential infection if left untreated; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment keep your smile healthy.
- Loose Teeth: If your teeth feel loose, don't worry a visit to the dentist can help determine the cause and provide solutions to improve comfort and prevent further problems.
- Tooth Discoloration: As we age, teeth can naturally darken; however, discoloration can also be a sign of other issues. Your dentist can help determine the cause and recommend the best treatment option for a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth, but with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene, it can often be managed effectively.
- Tooth Damage: Whether it's a small chip or a significant fracture, your dentist can assess the damage and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your teeth's function and appearance.
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. Carina Canizares offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Bonding: To enhance the longevity of your natural teeth, bonding can be used to cover minor imperfections and strengthen weakened tooth enamel.
- 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.
- Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are a removable replacement for missing lower teeth, improving chewing, speech, and overall comfort for seniors.
- 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.
- Upper Dentures: As part of a comprehensive dental plan, upper dentures help restore a senior's smile and confidence, improving their quality of life.
- 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.
- Teeth Extraction: Extraction may be necessary to manage severe gum disease or a tooth that's causing chronic pain or discomfort, improving a senior's quality of life.
- Composite Fillings: During a routine checkup, your dentist may recommend composite fillings to address minor cavities and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: This procedure addresses any damage or issues with your existing dental implants, helping maintain their long-term health and preventing further problems.
- Teeth Whitening: Incorporating teeth whitening into your dental care can help you maintain a beautiful smile throughout your senior years.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Carina Canizares 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:
- With regular dental checkups and fillings, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, laughing and enjoying their favorite fruits and vegetables without the discomfort of tooth pain.
- A senior citizen, previously hesitant to eat crunchy foods due to a broken tooth, regained confidence and enjoyed a delicious meal of apples and carrots after a simple dental repair. The family was relieved to see their loved one's renewed zest for everyday pleasures.
- With improved dental health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, laughing and enjoying conversation without the discomfort of painful chewing issues.
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. Carina Canizares:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dental health is critically linked to overall health, including heart 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 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 dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Canizares can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your 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 like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, needed when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal. This provides extra strength and protection.
- 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 provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture, 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 fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, cemented to your existing teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth to fill in the gaps.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Canizares can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, sometimes causing dentures to become loose. Dr. Canizares can reline your dentures to create a snugger fit, or make a new set if the existing ones are significantly worn. A proper fit is essential 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 each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
Westchase Esthetic Family Dentistry
10131 Wilsky Blvd
Tampa FL 33625
Phone: (813) 792-8211
Dr. Carina Canizares, 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): 1811340441
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. Carina Canizares 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.