Dr. Colt Canepa, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at our Jensen Beach, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care specifically for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. Dr. Canepa understands that oral health is an integral part of overall well-being, particularly for those 65 years and older.
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. Canepa, a dentistry practitioner in Jensen Beach, FL, is committed to this collaborative approach, utilizing evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment for his patients. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, followed by residency training in General Dentists at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of individuals 65 years and older. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (772) 334-4090. Dr. Canepa provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Colt Canepa is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Canepa is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, expertly managing age-related dental issues and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to care. This personalized approach prioritizes comfort, maximizing independence, and fostering a positive experience for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Colt Canepa can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- 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
- 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
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Colt Canepa 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:
- Oral Infection: Oral infections, such as gum disease or an infected tooth, can impact your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy your meals, but prompt dental care can help resolve the issue.
- Mouth Ulcer: Experiencing a painful mouth ulcer can impact your ability to enjoy meals; a visit to your dentist can help determine the cause and recommend effective remedies for faster healing and improved comfort.
- Edentulism (Toothlessness): Edentulism, or toothlessness, is the complete loss of teeth, which can impact chewing, speaking, and overall confidence, but thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions like dentures or implants to restore function and improve quality of life.
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are misaligned, it may make it harder to clean them thoroughly, increasing your risk of gum disease. Your dentist can help improve your oral health and make cleaning easier.
- Cleft Lip: A cleft lip is a birth defect where the lip doesn't fully form during pregnancy, often requiring surgical repair to improve appearance and function.
- Dentofacial Anomalies: Dentofacial anomalies encompass jaw and tooth irregularities that may cause difficulty chewing or speaking. With a dentist's assessment and care, treatment can improve function, appearance, and your overall well-being.
- Temporomandibular Joint Pain: Don't let jaw pain limit you; TMJ treatment, provided by your dentist, can help reduce your discomfort, allowing you to easily bite, chew, and speak clearly without worry.
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. Colt Canepa offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Examination: Through a thorough examination, your dentist can assess your oral health, enabling them to create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and prevent future problems.
- Endodontic Surgery: In certain cases, endodontic surgery may be recommended to repair a fractured tooth root or address a severe injury, thereby helping to preserve the tooth's function and longevity.
- Dental Bonding: To enhance the longevity of your natural teeth, bonding can be used to cover minor imperfections and strengthen weakened tooth enamel.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: As part of your senior care, full mouth reconstruction helps rebuild severely damaged or missing teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and your overall confidence.
- Orthognathic Surgery: As part of a comprehensive care plan, orthognathic surgery can resolve structural problems affecting your teeth and jaws, improving both your oral health and facial aesthetics.
- Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: For seniors, laser treatment for dental fillings can help reduce sensitivity and provide a more comfortable experience compared to traditional methods.
- Dental Infection Treatment: Treating a dental infection helps prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body, ensuring 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. Colt Canepa 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, previously struggling with discomfort and difficulty eating, experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life after receiving professional dental care for an oral infection. They were able to enjoy their favorite meals and social gatherings once more, feeling renewed confidence and comfort.
- A senior citizen, plagued by a painful mouth ulcer, found relief and comfort with a dentist's guidance, enabling them to enjoy their favorite meals again without discomfort. The family felt a sense of peace knowing their loved one could eat and socialize with ease.
- With the guidance of a knowledgeable dentist, a senior was able to regain the joy of eating their favorite foods and confidently smile again, significantly improving 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. 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. Colt Canepa:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Canepa's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and are linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental visits aren't just about teeth; they're vital for 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. Canepa can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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. Canepa will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations and gently check your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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, providing strength and protection for a tooth that's more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Canepa's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the existing one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 existing teeth. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap, and a partial denture is an appliance that you can remove for cleaning.
- 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. Canepa can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Canepa can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
710 NE Jensen Beach Blvd
Jensen Beach FL 34957
Phone: (772) 334-4090
Dr. Colt Canepa, 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): 1801455456
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. Colt Canepa 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.