Dr. Deborah Ruddell, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at Deborah Ruddell D.D.S., P.A. in Fort Myers, FL. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care tailored specifically for the needs of older adults, 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Ruddell understands the unique dental challenges that can arise with aging, and she's committed to managing those challenges effectively. 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. Ruddell prides herself on staying current with the latest advancements in dentistry to deliver the most effective and up-to-date treatments. She is 100% devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile by helping you achieve optimal oral health. Preventative care and education are paramount in her practice, emphasizing thorough dental exams and proactive measures to catch potential issues early. Her team at Deborah Ruddell D.D.S., P.A. is dedicated to a positive dental experience, providing state-of-the-art services in Lee County, Florida. Dr. Ruddell is currently welcoming new patients; please call (239) 439-5062 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Deborah Ruddell provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Deborah Ruddell is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Deborah Ruddell is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of aging adults. She understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care. This collaborative, patient-centered care emphasizes comfort, independence, and a positive experience for every patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Deborah Ruddell can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Deborah Ruddell 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:
- 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.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep, impacting your health and energy levels; your dentist can work with your doctor to find a solution that improves your quality of life.
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess in your tooth is a serious infection that causes a pocket of pus to form, and it needs attention from your dentist to avoid spreading and causing more discomfort.
- 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.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
- Toothache: A toothache, that persistent pain in your tooth, is often caused by decay, infection, or injury and can be relieved with a visit to your dentist who will provide the necessary treatment, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
- Excessive Tooth Wear: Over time, teeth can naturally wear down, affecting your bite and comfort; your dentist can assess the extent of the wear and recommend solutions like fillings, crowns, or veneers to improve your smile and chewing ability, enhancing your enjoyment of meals.
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. Deborah Ruddell offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Cleaning: Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall quality of life for seniors.
- 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.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from your mouth to help your dentist diagnose and manage potential problems like oral cancer or other suspicious growths.
- Complex Tooth Extraction: Complex tooth extraction is a surgical step that may be included in a senior's dental care plan to improve their bite, speech, and overall oral health.
- Fluoride Treatment: Regular fluoride applications can help protect against tooth decay, a significant concern for seniors, and are a key element in comprehensive dental health.
- Prophy Jet Air Polishing: Prophy Jet air polishing helps remove stubborn stains and plaque from your teeth during a routine cleaning, leaving your smile brighter and healthier.
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. Deborah Ruddell 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 improved oral hygiene and regular checkups, a senior woman regained the ability to comfortably eat her favorite fruits and vegetables, a significant boost to her overall well-being.
- After struggling with sleep apnea, a senior couple found relief from daytime fatigue and could finally enjoy evening walks together, rekindling a cherished activity.
- The senior citizen, once plagued by throbbing tooth pain, experienced significant relief after professional dental care for a tooth abscess. They could finally enjoy their favorite foods and smile with confidence again.
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. Deborah Ruddell:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Oral health is directly connected to overall health, including your heart. 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 and gums, 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. Ruddell can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your 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 not treated. Dr. Ruddell can help create an effective and gentle home care routine to reverse this, often with a professional cleaning.
- 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 teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is removable for cleaning.
- 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, making teeth more vulnerable. Dr. Ruddell can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
- 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 to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 to protect and strengthen it when the tooth is more severely damaged.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Ruddell understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can cause dentures to loosen. We can often reline the denture for a better fit, or create a new one if needed. A good fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
Deborah Ruddell D.D.S., P.A.
49 Barkley Cir
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 439-5062
Dr. Deborah Ruddell, 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): 1104995802
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. Deborah Ruddell 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.