Dr. Hagen Hastings, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older. She practices at her clinic in Stuart, FL, and is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Hastings is committed to this vital partnership in senior health, ensuring her patients receive the highest quality of care.
Dr. Hagen Hastings, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Stuart, FL and has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine in 2010. With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Dental care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families, upholding her belief in "Caring Dentistry for the Entire Family." She is accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (772) 225-2111. Dr. Hagen Hastings provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Hagen Hastings is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hastings is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care tailored to their unique needs. She recognizes the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, proactively addressing age-related dental concerns like dry mouth and gum disease. Her approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic plan of care, maximizing comfort and quality of life for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Hagen Hastings 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. Hagen Hastings 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:
- Tooth Abscess: If you have a throbbing toothache and swelling, it could be a tooth abscess, a condition that a dentist can address with treatments like antibiotics and potentially a root canal to save your tooth or an extraction if necessary.
- Sleep Apnea: A dentist plays a key role in managing sleep apnea because oral appliances, crafted to fit your mouth, can often prevent airway blockage during sleep, restoring more restful nights.
- Chipped Tooth: Don't let a chipped tooth cause you pain or affect your ability to eat; a simple dental visit can often fix it with a filling, veneer, or crown, improving your quality of life.
- Gingivitis: Inflamed and irritated gums, known as gingivitis, can be addressed through better oral care habits and professional cleaning by your dentist to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
- Dental Disorders: Addressing dental disorders helps prevent infections and complications that can lead to further health problems, ensuring you can maintain your independence and enjoy your favorite foods.
- Tooth Discoloration: Don't let stained or discolored teeth affect your confidence. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like whitening or cosmetic bonding to improve the look of your smile, making you feel better about your appearance.
- Tooth Demineralization: Demineralization is a process where teeth lose minerals, increasing the chance of decay; your dentist can identify this early and use treatments like fluoride to protect your teeth and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Toothache: If you're dealing with a toothache, it's important to seek dental care right away. Your dentist can assess the pain, determine the source (like a cavity or impacted wisdom tooth), and create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, happens when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage your tooth enamel, leading to holes in your teeth that can cause pain and discomfort, but regular dental checkups and treatments can prevent further damage and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Cavity: That bothersome cavity is a sign of tooth decay that needs attention; your dentist can easily fill it to stop the decay, prevent future problems, and maintain your ability to enjoy eating.
- Tooth Loss: While tooth loss is a natural part of aging for some, it's often preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, and there are many ways to replace missing teeth to maintain your independence.
- Gum Disease: Maintaining healthy gums is crucial for overall well-being, and while gum disease can be a concern for seniors, diligent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can significantly reduce your risk and improve your quality of life.
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. Hagen Hastings offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Composite Fillings: A comprehensive approach to senior dental care often includes composite fillings as a way to preserve natural teeth and maintain oral health for years to come.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic dental cleaning uses high-frequency vibrations to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, helping prevent gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions play a crucial role in preparing the mouth for dentures or other restorative procedures, supporting a better quality of life.
- Dental Inlays: As part of your regular dental care, inlays offer a durable solution to moderate tooth decay, preventing further damage and discomfort.
- Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital part of preserving your natural teeth, preventing the need for more extensive procedures like extractions.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that repairs chipped or cracked teeth, improving your smile's appearance and confidence.
- Upper Dentures: For seniors with missing upper teeth, dentures help maintain facial structure and improve self-esteem, playing an essential role in their overall health journey.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: By addressing gum issues early with non-surgical treatment, you can maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of serious health complications.
- Dental Onlay: Similar to a filling, a dental onlay helps manage substantial tooth damage by providing a strong, durable covering to preserve your natural tooth structure.
- Dental Crown: Dental crowns are a key restorative treatment used to manage severely damaged or decayed teeth, improving both your oral health and overall well-being.
- Root Planing: Root planing is an important step in creating a long-term dental care plan, addressing gum disease, a condition that can affect your overall health and well-being.
- Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy.
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. Hagen Hastings 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 managing a painful tooth abscess, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite evening activity again: attending book club meetings without the distracting throbbing toothache.
- With the help of a dentist's custom-made oral appliance, a senior felt a significant improvement in sleep quality, and was able to return to enjoying evening walks with her grandchildren.
- A senior citizen, previously hesitant to eat certain foods due to a chipped tooth, enjoyed a delicious meal with renewed confidence, savoring each bite without discomfort. The simple dental repair restored a crucial aspect of their daily enjoyment.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Hagen Hastings:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, potentially increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care isn't just about your teeth; it's a vital part of maintaining 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. Hagen Hastings can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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. A bridge is a permanent fixture, while a partial denture is a removable appliance.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Hagen Hastings performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. This involves visually inspecting your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feeling your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture's underside for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial 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 lacks the protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Hagen Hastings 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?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding gums are 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. Hastings can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when the tooth is more damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
3727 SE Ocean Blvd Ste 208
Stuart FL 34996
Phone: (772) 225-2111
Dr. Hagen Hastings, 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): 1306157706
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. Hagen Hastings 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.