Dr. Janice Kannikal, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at her clinic in West Palm Beach, FL. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends beyond just teeth; she recognizes the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, recognizing that general dentists play a crucial role in the health of older adults. This includes managing age-related dental issues such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall health.
Dr. Janice Kannikal, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in West Palm Beach, FL, committed to creating a supportive environment for her patients and their families. She approaches care with a collaborative and evidence-based perspective, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. She understands the unique needs of seniors and is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality dental care. New patients are welcome; please call (561) 682-0999 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Janice Kannikal provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Janice Kannikal is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Janice Kannikal is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care. Dr. Kannikal prioritizes her patients' comfort and independence, creating a supportive environment where seniors can maintain optimal oral and general health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Janice Kannikal 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
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- 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. Janice Kannikal 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:
- Cleft Lip: While a cleft lip is a condition usually identified at birth, its long-term management can involve dental professionals to ensure proper oral health and function.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw joint? This could be TMJ, and your dentist can provide solutions like splints or other therapies to relieve pain and restore normal jaw function, making eating and speaking easier.
- Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism): Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can damage teeth and lead to discomfort, but regular dental checkups and potential use of a mouthguard can protect your smile and your comfort.
- Misaligned Teeth: Over time, teeth can shift, causing discomfort and affecting your bite. Your dentist can assess the misalignment and recommend treatment options to restore proper chewing and improve your smile.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Dysfunction: Experiencing jaw pain or clicking sounds? It might be TMJ dysfunction, a condition affecting the joint connecting your jaw to your skull; your dentist can help manage your symptoms and improve your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
- Tongue Conditions: If you experience any discomfort or changes in your tongue, such as unusual texture or color, it's important to visit your dentist for a thorough examination and appropriate management, helping to preserve your oral health and overall health.
- Hypodontia: Hypodontia is a condition where some teeth are missing at birth, and your dentist can help plan for ways to replace them, improving your smile and ability to eat comfortably.
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. Janice Kannikal offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for repairing decayed or damaged teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence.
- Dental Bonding: Incorporating dental bonding into your care plan helps maintain the health and appearance of your teeth, boosting your self-esteem and oral function.
- 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.
- Dental Implant: If you're dealing with missing teeth, dental implants can be incorporated into your comprehensive dental care plan to restore your smile, improve your bite, and prevent further oral health problems.
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are a customized cosmetic treatment option that can enhance your smile by improving the shape, size, and color of your teeth, improving your self-esteem and complementing your overall oral health plan.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: This procedure addresses any damage or issues with your existing dental implants, helping maintain their long-term health and preventing further problems.
- Teeth Extraction: Tooth extraction is the removal of a severely damaged or infected tooth, helping to prevent further oral health problems and improve overall comfort.
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. Janice Kannikal 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 the guidance of a general dentist, a senior was able to regain confidence in smiling and eating comfortably, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
- Mrs. Hernandez's jaw clicking significantly lessened after wearing a custom-made splint, allowing her to easily chew her favorite fruits and vegetables again and enjoy her daily crossword puzzles without discomfort.
- After regular dental checkups and the use of a custom-fitted mouthguard, a senior couple reported a significant reduction in jaw pain and headaches, allowing them to enjoy their evening crossword puzzles without discomfort.
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. Janice Kannikal:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Kannikal'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 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. Kannikal 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, permanent appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Kannikal can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As our jaws and gums change over time, dentures can become loose. Dr. Kannikal can reline your dentures to create a better fit, or if needed, make a new set for optimal comfort and function. A proper fit is essential for good oral health and for eating and speaking comfortably.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in denture solution or plain water.
- 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 a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection for a tooth that's significantly damaged, cracked, or had a root canal.
- 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. Dr. Kannikal can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
1401 Forum Way Ste 800
West Palm Beach FL 33401
Phone: (561) 682-0999
Dr. Janice Kannikal, 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): 1811228679
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. Janice Kannikal 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.