Dr. Fernando Figueroa, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Greenacres, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care 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. Figueroa understands the unique dental needs of seniors, recognizing that oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being.
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. Figueroa is committed to this collaborative approach, focusing on the specific needs of patients 65 years and older. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (561) 432-1718 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Fernando Figueroa, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Greenacres, FL, dedicated to the comprehensive dental care of senior citizens. His practice is rooted in evidence-based medicine, with a strong emphasis on collaborative care and patient-centered communication. He prioritizes creating a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring that every patient feels respected and involved in their treatment plan. Dr. Figueroa provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Fernando Figueroa is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Figueroa is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to their unique needs. He understands the importance of oral health in overall well-being, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care. His focus extends beyond dental procedures, emphasizing the patient's comfort and quality of life, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for every visit.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Fernando Figueroa can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- 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 Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Fernando Figueroa 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:
- Tongue-Tie: If you have difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking clearly due to limited tongue movement, you might have tongue-tie; a simple procedure can often improve these issues.
- Dentofacial Anomalies: If you have a misaligned bite or jaw structure (dentofacial anomaly), your dentist can help correct these problems, often improving your ability to eat comfortably and confidently smile.
- Jaw Tumor: Depending on the type and location, a jaw tumor may require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to prevent further complications and enhance quality of life for the patient.
- Tooth Abscess: Experiencing intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity in your tooth? It may be an abscess. Your dentist can provide effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent complications.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: Don't let a persistent bad taste diminish your enjoyment of meals. Your dentist can diagnose the causefrom dry mouth to gum diseaseand create a plan to improve your oral health and your overall sense of well-being.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: A fall or impact can cause painful damage to your teeth, but a dentist can expertly repair or replace affected teeth, reducing discomfort and helping you maintain a healthy diet.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Dysfunction: If you have persistent jaw pain, headaches, or earaches, you might have TMJ dysfunction, a condition often treatable by your dentist with simple therapies that greatly improve your daily comfort.
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. Fernando Figueroa offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental X-Ray: To monitor the health of your jawbone and the success of dental implants or bridges, your dentist may use X-rays as a vital part of your ongoing care.
- Bone Grafting: Bone grafting is a procedure that may be necessary to enhance your jawbone density before placing dental implants, ensuring a strong foundation for your new teeth.
- Oral Sedation: This medication helps seniors undergo dental procedures more easily, improving their ability to receive the necessary care for better oral health.
- 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.
- Dental Gum Flap Surgery: Dental gum flap surgery helps your dentist thoroughly clean and treat gum disease, improving your overall oral health and preventing further complications.
- Denture Repair: Addressing denture problems promptly through repair helps avoid more extensive or costly procedures down the line.
- Impacted Tooth Removal: Impacted tooth removal surgically addresses a tooth unable to erupt normally, preventing potential pain and infection and supporting overall oral health.
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. Fernando Figueroa 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 found relief from persistent chewing and swallowing difficulties after a straightforward procedure to address tongue-tie, allowing them to enjoy their favorite foods again with greater ease.
- Mrs. Hernandez's misaligned bite made eating difficult and caused discomfort. With a customized treatment plan, she regained her ability to enjoy meals with her family, a cherished part of her daily routine.
- After careful treatment for a jaw tumor, a senior was able to comfortably eat her favorite foods again, regaining her enjoyment of meals and social gatherings with family.
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. Fernando Figueroa:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Figueroa's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is therefore essential for maintaining 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. Figueroa 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 a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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 more serious periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Figueroa 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?
- Dr. Figueroa's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can affect denture fit. A relining procedure can reshape the denture base for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the current 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, filling the space with a false tooth. A partial denture is an appliance that clips onto existing teeth to replace missing ones.
- 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. Figueroa can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- 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. Crowns are needed when a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
4750 S Jog Rd
Greenacres FL 33467
Phone: (561) 432-1718
Dr. Fernando Figueroa, 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): 1316135205
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. Fernando Figueroa 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.