Dr. Jack Behn, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Plantation, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Behn understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. He focuses on providing excellent 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. Jack Behn, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Plantation, FL, committed to providing a supportive and patient-centered approach to dental care. His practice emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is dedicated to creating a positive and comfortable environment, and is a strong advocate for the oral health of seniors. Prospective patients should call (954) 318-1966 to confirm if Dr. Behn is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Behn provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Jack Behn is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Behn acts as a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to their specific needs. He understands the unique challenges of aging, proactively 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. This person-centered approach prioritizes not just the teeth, but also the patient's overall comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Jack Behn can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- Humana
- Humana PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Jack Behn 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:
- Chronic Periodontitis: This advanced form of gum disease, chronic periodontitis, can loosen your teeth and even lead to infection, but with consistent professional care including cleanings and treatment, you can preserve your teeth and maintain your confidence.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Broken or injured teeth can lead to infection and pain, but with timely treatment from your dentist, such as crowns or root canals, you can preserve your natural teeth and avoid more extensive procedures.
- Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, teeth become trapped beneath the gum line this is called an impacted tooth. Your dentist can determine the best way to manage this, relieving pain and avoiding potential future problems, enhancing your overall well-being.
- Halitosis (Bad Breath): Addressing bad breath can significantly improve your quality of life by boosting your confidence and helping you maintain comfortable social interactions; your dentist is your best resource for managing this concern.
- Edentulism (Toothlessness): Edentulism, or toothlessness, is the complete loss of teeth, which can impact chewing, speaking, and overall confidence, but thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions like dentures or implants to restore function and improve quality of life.
- 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.
- Worn Down Teeth: If your teeth are worn down, making chewing painful, your dentist can provide restorative treatments to strengthen them, prevent further damage, 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. Jack Behn offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: Laser treatment may offer a more comfortable and precise way to place fillings, improving the longevity of the restoration for older adults.
- Digital X-Ray (CDR): Digital X-rays provide detailed images of your teeth and gums, helping your dentist detect cavities, gum disease, or other problems early on.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment: This minimally invasive treatment helps your dentist prevent further damage from cavities, ensuring that your mouth remains healthy and comfortable for years to come.
- Removable Denture: Dentures are a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth, enhancing your ability to eat a balanced diet and maintain good oral hygiene as part of a comprehensive senior care plan.
- Single Visit Root Canals: By completing the root canal in a single visit, your dentist minimizes discomfort and streamlines the treatment process for a more efficient and comfortable experience.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Regular dental visits and, if necessary, the use of amalgam fillings as a restorative treatment, can play a critical role in preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
- Impacted Tooth Removal: This procedure helps to diagnose and treat potential underlying issues associated with impacted teeth, contributing to a more complete understanding of a patient's 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. Jack Behn 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 regular dental cleanings and treatment, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite foods again without discomfort, regaining their confidence and smile.
- After careful dental treatment for broken teeth, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, laughing over stories, without the discomfort of painful, loose teeth.
- With impacted teeth managed by a knowledgeable professional, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of eating their favorite foods without discomfort, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
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. Jack Behn:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for 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 checkups and cleanings are 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. Behn 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?
- As our jaws and gums naturally change over time, dentures can sometimes become loose. We can often reline existing dentures to create a snugger fit, or if the denture is significantly worn, create a new one. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in seniors is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel, making teeth more vulnerable. Dr. Behn can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Behn 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.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care, and Dr. Behn can help create a plan.
8200 W Sunrise Blvd Ste A1
Plantation FL 33322
Phone: (954) 318-1966
Dr. Jack Behn, 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): 1346306206
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. Jack Behn 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.