Dr. Damien Hunter, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Newberry, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Hunter understands the unique dental needs of those 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. He focuses on managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. Prospective patients should call (386) 688-8116 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Damien Hunter, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Newberry, FL, committed to providing a supportive and collaborative approach to care. He strives to create an environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions, employing evidence-based medicine in his practice. His focus on senior care emphasizes the interconnectedness of oral and overall health, recognizing that addressing dental concerns can significantly impact a senior's quality of life. He believes in fostering a partnership with his patients, ensuring they feel comfortable discussing their concerns and actively participating in their care. Dr. Hunter provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Damien Hunter is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hunter is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, emphasizing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care. His compassionate practice prioritizes personalized treatment plans, fostering a supportive environment where seniors can maintain their comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Damien Hunter 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
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Damien Hunter 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:
- 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.
- Salivary Duct Stones: If you experience swelling near your salivary glands, along with pain and difficulty eating, you may have salivary duct stones which are treatable.
- Dental Crowding: Having crowded teeth can make it harder to keep them clean and healthy, potentially leading to problems later on; a dentist can help by assessing your specific situation and offering solutions to improve your smile and prevent future issues.
- Jaw Tumor: A jaw tumor is an abnormal growth in the jawbone, which a dentist or oral surgeon can evaluate and treat to restore comfort and function.
- Oral Pharyngeal Disorders: Changes in your ability to swallow or speak might indicate an oral pharyngeal disorder, but with a tailored care plan involving speech therapy, medication, or dietary adjustments, as directed by healthcare professionals, you can regain some ease and confidence.
- Tooth Damage: Damaged teeth can cause pain and make chewing difficult, but with appropriate dental treatment, like fillings or crowns, you can restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Jaw Cyst: A jaw cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in the jawbone, and your dentist can diagnose and treat it to prevent pain and potential complications.
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. Damien Hunter offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Fluoride Treatment: This preventative measure helps safeguard your teeth against decay and strengthens them, making your teeth more resilient and reducing your need for more extensive procedures later.
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: Ceramic crowns offer a natural-looking restoration for your teeth, providing a long-term solution to protect and preserve the health of your mouth as part of comprehensive dental care.
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPD): As part of a comprehensive care plan, removable partial dentures help manage the loss of teeth, improving a senior's overall quality of life and nutritional intake.
- Biopsy: To create a complete and accurate care plan, your dentist may recommend a biopsy to examine a suspicious area in your mouth for signs of disease.
- Prosthetic: A prosthetic, such as a denture or implant, replaces missing teeth, improving chewing ability and overall oral health for a more comfortable eating experience.
- Apicoectomy: An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth's root to treat a persistent infection or inflammation.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: Full mouth reconstruction is a way to comprehensively address significant oral health concerns, providing a customized solution to restore comfort and function.
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. Damien Hunter 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:
- After struggling with jaw pain for months, a senior couple found relief and could once again enjoy their favorite activity: sharing meals and laughter with family.
- After experiencing significant pain and difficulty eating, a senior found relief from salivary duct stones with the dentist's support, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals again without discomfort. The family felt immense gratitude for the improved quality of life.
- With crowded teeth less of a concern, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of enjoying meals together, laughing and sharing stories with newfound ease.
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. Damien Hunter:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Hunter's practice emphasizes the critical 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 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. Hunter can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the shape of your jawbone and gums change, which can cause dentures to loosen. Dr. Hunter can perform a relining procedure to reshape the underside of your denture for a better fit, or create a new denture if yours is very old or worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing teeth.
- 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 (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Hunter can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, and vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Hunter will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel 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 to protect and strengthen it when there's more extensive damage, like a crack or after a root canal.
- 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
14029 W Newberry Rd Unit 60
Newberry FL 32669
Phone: (386) 688-8116
Dr. Damien Hunter, 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): 1467781112
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. Damien Hunter 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.