Dr. Diana Gomez, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Southpark Dental Group in Orlando, FL. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care specifically for seniors, 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Gomez understands the unique oral health needs of this population and is dedicated to being a trusted partner in their overall well-being. She utilizes the most recent advances in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including Zoom! Whitening, veneers, one-visit CEREC 3-D restorations, dentures, white composite fillings and digital x-rays.
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. Gomez is committed to this collaborative approach and is dedicated to ensuring her patients have access to the latest techniques and technologies. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (407) 248-0100 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gomez earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, is a member of the American Dental Association, and is a WESH 2 New Health Expert. She also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Diana Gomez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Diana Gomez is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She meticulously manages age-related dental concerns, such as dry mouth and gum disease, and proactively collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being. Her patient-centered approach prioritizes understanding each senior's individual circumstances and goals, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Diana Gomez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Assurant Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Delta Dental
Dental PPO
Guardian
Principal Financial Group
United Concordia
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueDental Choice
- DHA
- DHA Premier
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Network of America
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion Insurance
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- National Fee-for-Service
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Diana Gomez 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:
- Sleep Apnea: Difficulty sleeping and daytime fatigue could signal sleep apnea, and a dentist can help you explore treatment options, including specialized mouthguards, to improve rest.
- Jaw Cyst: To preserve your oral health, regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and treatment of jaw cysts, preventing potential complications down the line.
- Temporomandibular Joint Pain: TMJ pain, a source of jaw and face discomfort, can be addressed by your dentist who can provide relief, allowing you to eat and speak more comfortably and maintain your independence.
- Salivary Duct Stones: A salivary duct stone is a mineral deposit that obstructs the flow of saliva, leading to swelling and pain which can be managed by a dentist.
- Dentofacial Anomalies: Dentofacial anomalies are variations in the shape or position of your teeth and jawbone, potentially impacting your bite and smile. Treatment options, tailored to your needs, can help restore proper function and enhance your appearance.
- Swollen Gums: Swollen gums, a common issue as we age, can often be managed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, helping you keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
- Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a serious gum infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and impact your overall health, but with regular dental checkups and professional cleaning, it can be effectively managed.
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. Diana Gomez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that repairs chipped or cracked teeth, improving your smile's appearance and confidence.
- Endodontic Treatment: Your dentist might recommend endodontic treatment as a way to preserve your natural teeth, improving your chewing ability, confidence, and overall quality of life.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall quality of life for seniors.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Regular oral cancer screenings are a proactive step in managing your oral health and contribute to a comprehensive care plan that helps prevent or early detect serious conditions.
- 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.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Gum disease treatment helps preserve your natural teeth and improve your quality of life by reducing pain, discomfort, and the need for more extensive procedures.
- Dental Cleaning: Through a thorough cleaning, your dentist can assess the health of your mouth, identifying potential problems early for effective management and treatment.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings, a type of tooth-colored filling, are a long-lasting solution to repair cavities and protect your teeth, helping maintain your overall oral health as you age.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance, addressing cosmetic concerns as part of a comprehensive dental plan.
- Porcelain Crown: To address a severely damaged or decayed tooth, a porcelain crown provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration, improving both your oral health and confidence.
- Dental Examination: A dental examination is a crucial checkup that helps identify potential dental problems early, preventing them from becoming more serious and costly to treat.
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. Diana Gomez 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:
- Feeling tired and irritable throughout the day, a senior couple found relief from sleep apnea symptoms after a dentist helped them explore mouthguard options. They were able to enjoy evenings with family and friends without the daytime fatigue that had become a constant companion.
- Concerned about persistent jaw pain, a senior was relieved when a dental professional's guidance helped shrink the cyst, restoring comfortable chewing and enabling them to enjoy their favorite foods again.
- With gentle guidance from a general dentist, a senior was able to resume enjoying her favorite hobby of knitting, free from the distracting jaw pain that had previously limited her.
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. Diana Gomez:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Gomez'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 essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also your overall health and 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. Gomez 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 provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or even full dentures and preventing slippage. 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 appliance permanently cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Gomez and her team understand that changes in jawbone and gum shape can sometimes cause dentures to become loose. A relining procedure can often reshape the denture's underside for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the current one is significantly worn. Maintaining a proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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, which is less protected than the enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel, making teeth more sensitive. Dr. Gomez can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other problems like cavities or cracked teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene; Dr. Gomez can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
Southpark Dental Group
8801 Commodity Cir
Orlando FL 32819
Phone: (407) 248-0100
Dr. Diana Gomez, 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): 1073619953
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. Diana Gomez 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.