Dr. Jan Westberry, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to the unique needs of her patients, aged 65 and older. Her practice emphasizes a collaborative approach to senior health, recognizing the vital connection between oral and overall well-being.
General dentists play a crucial 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. Westberry is deeply invested in this collaborative care model, working with patients and their families to create a supportive environment where informed decisions about dental care are empowered. She strives to understand each patient's individual needs and preferences, ensuring the highest quality of personalized care. Prospective patients should call (386) 423-1440 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Jan Westberry, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in New Smyrna Beach, FL, dedicated to the specialized needs of older adults. Her commitment to evidence-based medicine and her collaborative approach ensure a supportive experience for patients and their families. While Dr. Westberry provides consultations primarily in English, her dedication to her patients' well-being extends to fostering open communication and understanding.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Jan Westberry is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Westberry is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to their unique needs. She understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related dental concerns like dry mouth and gum disease. Her commitment extends to collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach, ultimately maximizing comfort and quality of life for her patients.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Jan Westberry 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. Jan Westberry 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:
- 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.
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? Don't suffer in silence; a prompt visit to your dentist can identify the cause whether it's a cavity, gum disease, or something else and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
- Mouth Conditions: Addressing mouth conditions, whether it's preventing gum disease, fixing a chipped tooth, or getting fitted for dentures, is about more than just aesthetics; it's about ensuring you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence and comfort.
- Hypodontia: If you or a loved one has hypodontia (missing some permanent teeth from birth), seeing a dentist is vital for developing a plan to ensure proper chewing, speech, and a healthy smile.
- Broken Dental Appliance: A broken dental appliance, like a denture or crown, can cause discomfort and make eating difficult, but your dentist can quickly repair or replace it, restoring your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your independence.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea disrupts sleep by repeatedly blocking your airway, causing snoring and tiredness, however, your dentist may play a role in your treatment plan by providing a customized oral appliance to improve your breathing and your overall health.
- Taste Disorders: Experiencing a diminished sense of taste can make eating less enjoyable, but your dentist can help pinpoint the reason and recommend strategies to help you savor your meals again.
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. Jan Westberry offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Hybridge Dental Implant: A Hybridge dental implant is a tooth replacement option that can help restore your smile and chewing ability, improving your quality of life as you age.
- Root Canal Retreatment: Root canal retreatment is a way to address lingering infection or inflammation in a tooth that's had a root canal before, saving it from extraction.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: This procedure helps to restore gum tissue and bone structure, preventing further tooth loss and improving the overall stability of your teeth.
- 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 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.
- Nobel Biocare Implants: Nobel Biocare implants help manage the challenges of missing teeth in seniors, providing a stable and comfortable alternative to dentures or bridges.
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. Jan Westberry 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 alignment of their teeth and jaw, a senior couple enjoyed a renewed sense of confidence and comfort while eating their favorite foods, no longer experiencing discomfort or difficulty.
- A senior couple enjoyed their evening meals together again, free from the agonizing toothache that had previously kept one partner from eating comfortably.
- A senior woman, struggling with painful mouth sores, found significant relief after a consultation with a dentist, enabling her to enjoy meals and social gatherings with renewed confidence.
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. Jan Westberry:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Westberry'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 essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also 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. Westberry can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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. Westberry can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other potential causes like cavities or cracked 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 slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Westberry can reline the existing denture for a better fit, or create a new one if needed. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Westberry can help create a plan.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- 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 a non-abrasive cleaner daily to clean all surfaces. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
2234 State Road 44
New Smyrna Beach FL 32168
Phone: (386) 423-1440
Dr. Jan Westberry, 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): 1487664645
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. Jan Westberry 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.