Dr. Kelvin Lantigua, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Hollywood, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care for his patients, a crucial aspect of his role as a partner in their senior health journey. His commitment extends beyond routine checkups, encompassing the unique needs of the 65+ population.
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. Lantigua understands the importance of this holistic approach, prioritizing the specific concerns and needs of his patients. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to dentistry, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Kelvin Lantigua, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Hollywood, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Lantigua provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (954) 964-1494 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Kelvin Lantigua is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lantigua is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care tailored to their unique needs. He understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, meticulously managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and optimal approach to care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kelvin Lantigua 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
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- 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
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kelvin Lantigua 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:
- Tooth Demineralization: Weakening of tooth enamel due to mineral loss is called demineralization, which can lead to cavities and discomfort; thankfully, your dentist can detect and address it, helping you preserve your natural teeth and smile.
- Tooth Damage: Damaged teeth can cause pain and make chewing difficult, but with appropriate dental treatment, like fillings or crowns, you can restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Temporomandibular Joint Pain: TMJ pain, a source of jaw and face discomfort, can be addressed by your dentist who can provide relief, allowing you to eat and speak more comfortably and maintain your independence.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Accidents happen, and even a small chip in a tooth can cause discomfort or infection. Your dentist can assess the damage and provide solutions, minimizing pain and protecting your oral health.
- Dry Tooth Socket: Experiencing pain or discomfort in the area where a tooth was removed? This could be a dry socket, a common but manageable post-extraction issue your dentist can address.
- Cold Sore: For older adults, cold sores can be particularly bothersome, but simple home care like applying ice and using lip balm can significantly ease symptoms and improve your overall comfort levels.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): Having too much gum showing while smiling can be easily addressed with a consultation and minor dental procedures; it's a simple way to improve your smile's aesthetics and boost your confidence.
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. Kelvin Lantigua offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a stable base for replacement teeth, improving chewing and speaking ability and boosting your confidence.
- Lower Dentures: Regular check-ups and adjustments of your lower dentures are crucial for preventing discomfort and potential health issues.
- Sinus Augmentation: For seniors needing dental implants, sinus augmentation addresses bone loss in the upper jaw, providing a stable base to support the implants and improve the overall success of the procedure.
- Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: This laser treatment is a supportive step to improve gum health and reduce discomfort during and after dental procedures for aging patients.
- Mercury-Free and Metal-Free Filling: As part of your comprehensive dental plan, these fillings help restore damaged teeth while minimizing potential exposure to heavy metals, contributing to your long-term well-being.
- Comprehensive Dental Exam: This thorough check-up allows your dentist to assess the overall health of your mouth, gums, and teeth, helping create a personalized plan for maintaining your smile.
- Moderate Sedation: For seniors needing extensive dental work, moderate sedation ensures a relaxed and manageable experience, improving the overall success of the procedure.
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. Kelvin Lantigua 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:
- Concerned about tooth sensitivity, a senior couple found relief from discomfort and regained confidence in their ability to enjoy meals with ease, thanks to a dentist's personalized treatment plan for tooth demineralization.
- Grandma enjoyed a satisfying meal of crunchy vegetables again, thanks to fillings that restored her ability to chew without pain. Her family was thrilled to see her smile so bright and strong once more.
- With gentle guidance from a dentist, a senior was able to resume enjoying her favorite hobby of knitting without the constant jaw pain. The improved comfort allowed her to spend more time connecting with family and friends.
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. Kelvin Lantigua:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining 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 checkups are essential for preventing these issues and promoting 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 can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Lantigua can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, and vital part of your routine dental exam. Dr. Lantigua 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.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Lantigua 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?
- Over time, changes in your jawbone and gums can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be created if the current one is very worn. Maintaining a proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed replacement for missing teeth, permanently cemented in place. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto existing teeth to fill in the gaps of missing 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. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Lantigua can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
7076 Taft St
Hollywood FL 33024
Phone: (954) 964-1494
Dr. Kelvin Lantigua, 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): 1215944368
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. Kelvin Lantigua 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.