Dr. John Cannariato, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at South Tampa Smiles in Tampa, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults 65 years and older. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Cannariato, a former New York resident, is a member of several dental associations, a nationally published clinician, and an international/national lecturer in cosmetic dentistry, demonstrating his deep commitment to his field and his patients. He is currently welcoming new patients; please call (813) 289-0560 to schedule an appointment.
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in dental care, Dr. Cannariato brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida, College of Dentistry in 2000. At South Tampa Smiles, Dr. Cannariato and his team of experienced professionals prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction. He is a careful listener, explaining treatment options thoroughly and ensuring that every patient feels empowered in their decisions. He believes in a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and understood. Dr. John Cannariato provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. John Cannariato is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cannariato acts as a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and meticulously coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal overall well-being. This holistic approach prioritizes not just the teeth but the entire health of your loved one, fostering a supportive and reassuring experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. John Cannariato can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. John Cannariato 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:
- Cavity: Cavities develop when bacteria break down tooth enamel, causing a small hole that can lead to toothache and potential infection if left untreated; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment keep your smile healthy.
- 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.
- Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral health is crucial for seniors as it significantly affects overall well-being, and addressing dental disorders can improve your diet, confidence, and overall quality of life.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis, a common gum problem, causes redness, swelling, and sometimes bleeding in your gums; regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can prevent it from worsening.
- Gum Disease: As we age, gum disease becomes more common, but it's important to remember that early detection and treatment can prevent serious problems like tooth loss and keep you enjoying your favorite foods.
- Misaligned Teeth: Misaligned teeth can impact your confidence and self-esteem. Your dentist can discuss various treatment options to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile, boosting your confidence.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection that can affect your ability to eat and sleep comfortably; timely treatment from your dentist will greatly improve your quality of life.
- Tooth Decay: Untreated tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems like infections or tooth loss, negatively affecting your ability to eat and speak clearly. Regular dental care will help prevent such issues and keep you healthy and independent.
- Tooth Demineralization: As we age, our teeth can lose essential minerals, leading to weakening and increased risk of cavities; however, regular dental checkups and treatments can help maintain strong and healthy teeth.
- Tooth Discoloration: Tooth discoloration, a change in your teeth's color, can be addressed by your dentist through professional cleaning, whitening treatments, or veneers to restore a brighter smile and boost your confidence.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
- 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.
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. John Cannariato offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoring dental implants ensures your artificial teeth remain secure, comfortable, and functional, supporting your ability to eat and speak well.
- Root Planing: During a root planing procedure, your dentist carefully cleans the tooth roots to eliminate infection and inflammation, helping to diagnose and address the severity of gum disease.
- Dental Bridge: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a dental bridge helps manage the consequences of missing teeth, preventing further dental issues and improving your quality of life.
- Teeth Whitening: While not always medically necessary, teeth whitening can be a valuable cosmetic procedure to enhance your self-esteem and overall oral health strategy.
- Dental Bonding: As part of your overall dental care, bonding helps to restore the integrity of a tooth, protecting it from further damage and potential infection.
- Lower Dentures: Getting fitted for lower dentures can help restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain a healthy diet.
- Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are tooth-colored materials used to repair cavities, restoring the tooth's function and appearance as part of your overall dental health plan.
- Dental Onlay: As part of your comprehensive dental care plan, an onlay can significantly improve the longevity and functionality of a weakened tooth, helping you maintain your smile.
- Upper Dentures: As part of a comprehensive dental plan, upper dentures help restore a senior's smile and confidence, improving their quality of life.
- Teeth Extraction: As a preventative measure, removing a tooth that's beyond repair can prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth or other areas of the body.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical gum treatment helps identify and manage gum disease, a common problem for seniors that can impact overall 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. John Cannariato 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:
- Grandma beamed as she enjoyed her favorite crunchy apples again, a simple pleasure restored after a general dentist addressed her cavities and prevented further tooth pain.
- A senior woman enjoyed a more comfortable smile and regained her ability to easily eat her favorite fruits, after a chipped tooth was repaired. Her family was thrilled by the improvement in her overall well-being.
- With improved oral health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, savoring the flavors of familiar dishes with renewed confidence.
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. John Cannariato:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dental health is critically linked to 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 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 your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Cannariato can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Cannariato can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent fixture cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge fills the space of missing teeth, and a partial denture replaces one or more missing 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.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive 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 water.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Changes in your jawbone and gums over time can sometimes loosen dentures. We can often reline your existing dentures to create a more comfortable fit, or if necessary, create a new set if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important 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 is less protected than the enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Cannariato can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
4066 Henderson Blvd
Tampa FL 33629
Phone: (813) 289-0560
Dr. John Cannariato, 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): 1699803718
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. John Cannariato 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.