Dr. Joseph Farag, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Port Charlotte, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older. 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. Farag, who earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in dental care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and a compassionate approach to his patients and their families. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (941) 764-9555 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Farag's commitment to senior health extends beyond clinical excellence. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida-Gainesville in 2003 and pursued extensive training, including residency in General Dentistry at the Misch Institute, followed by fellowship training in Montefiore Hosp-Med Center (2012). This rigorous educational journey has provided him with in-depth knowledge and expertise in the comprehensive medical care of older adults, particularly those 65 years and older. Dr. Farag is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and understanding environment for his patients, recognizing the importance of open communication and personalized care. He understands that oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being, and he strives to provide the best possible care to each individual. Dr. Joseph Farag provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Joseph Farag is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Farag is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He meticulously addresses age-related dental concerns like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being. His focus extends beyond procedures to include understanding each patient's individual goals and creating a supportive plan for maintaining comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Joseph Farag can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Cigna
- Dental
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Joseph Farag 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:
- Dental Disorders: Many dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, can be easily treated with prompt care, preserving your teeth and preventing more serious conditions that could impact your daily life.
- Dental Injury: Even minor dental injuries, like a knocked-out filling, need attention to prevent further damage and potential infection; your dentist can quickly and effectively address the issue, ensuring your comfort and oral health.
- Dental Spacing: Dental spacing refers to the gaps between your teeth, which can sometimes widen with age, making it harder to chew or affecting your smile, but your dentist can help manage this with various treatments to improve your comfort and confidence.
- Dental Trauma: If you've suffered an injury to your mouth or teeth, seeking help from your dentist is crucial. They can provide necessary treatment to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and help you regain your ability to eat and speak normally.
- Periodontitis: As we age, gum disease becomes more common, but with proper care from your dentist, including professional cleanings and at-home care, you can keep your gums healthy and your teeth secure.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, and a dentist can help manage it by creating oral appliances to keep your airway open.
- Sensitive Teeth: Experiencing discomfort or pain in your teeth when exposed to temperature changes or certain foods is a sign of sensitive teeth, a condition easily addressed by your dentist through various treatments that can restore comfort to your daily meals.
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. Joseph Farag offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Implant: To address missing teeth and enhance your quality of life, dental implants provide a secure, natural-looking replacement that improves your ability to eat and smile with confidence.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are a removable solution for managing missing teeth, allowing your dentist to monitor the health of your remaining teeth and gums.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoration of dental implants helps preserve your smile and confidence, allowing you to enjoy eating and social interactions without discomfort.
- Dentures: Well-fitting dentures are crucial for maintaining a healthy jawbone, improving self-esteem, and making eating easier and more enjoyable.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Your dentist uses a simple and painless exam during your routine visit to screen for oral cancer, an important step in early diagnosis and improved chances of successful treatment.
- Oral Surgical Procedures: These procedures can improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably, supporting your overall well-being as you age.
- Prophy Jet Air Polishing: For seniors with sensitive teeth or those who find traditional cleaning abrasive, Prophy Jet offers a gentler, more effective way to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Bone Grafting: Bone grafting is a procedure that may be necessary to enhance your jawbone density before placing dental implants, ensuring a strong foundation for your new teeth.
- Root Canal: By removing infected tissue inside the tooth and carefully sealing the area, a root canal can resolve pain and save a tooth from requiring extraction.
- Dental Prophylaxis: A dental prophylaxis appointment allows your dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth, identify potential issues, and create a personalized plan to maintain optimal oral health.
- Same-Day Dental Crowns: This efficient procedure means a faster recovery time and improved comfort for seniors requiring crown placement, streamlining your dental care plan.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for repairing decayed or damaged teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence.
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. Joseph Farag 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 oral health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, laughing and talking freely without pain or discomfort.
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to smile due to a chipped tooth, regained confidence and her zest for life after a prompt dental visit. She now enjoys laughing and sharing meals with her family without discomfort.
- With dental spacing managed by a skilled professional, a woman rediscovered the joy of eating her favorite fruits and vegetables, a cherished part of her daily routine.
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. Joseph Farag:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. 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 health.
- 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's a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Farag 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 we age, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to become loose. Dr. Farag can perform a relining procedure to reshape the underside of your denture for a better fit, or create a new denture if needed. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 crowns, bridges, or even full dentures and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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, making teeth more sensitive. Dr. Farag can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- 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 or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when the tooth is more significantly damaged or has had a root canal.
- 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, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Farag can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
3441 Conway Blvd
Port Charlotte FL 33952
Phone: (941) 764-9555
Dr. Joseph Farag, 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): 1194734723
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. Joseph Farag 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.