Dr. Kirsten Teresi, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Palm Harbor, 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. She understands the vital role general dentists play in the overall health of seniors, recognizing that oral care is intricately linked to overall well-being. Her practice focuses on managing age-related dental issues, such as dry mouth and gum disease, while also collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall health.
Dr. Teresi is currently welcoming new patients. She believes in fostering a meaningful relationship with each patient, providing personalized dental care in a compassionate, honest, and educational environment. Her mission is to enhance the lives of her patients through excellent, individualized care. When she isn't practicing dentistry, Dr. Teresi enjoys working out, cooking, spending time with loved ones, and supporting the Gators! To schedule an appointment, please call (727) 787-9696. Dr. Kirsten Teresi provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Kirsten Teresi is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kirsten Teresi is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She expertly manages age-related dental issues, such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates seamlessly with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. This holistic approach, focused on understanding each patient's individual circumstances and goals, helps create a supportive and reassuring environment for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kirsten Teresi can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Network of America
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- Principal Financial Group
- Superior Health Plan
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kirsten Teresi 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:
- Tender Gums: Sore gums can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of your gum tenderness and provide relief, helping you maintain your independence and enjoy meals.
- Tooth Abscess: Experiencing intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity in your tooth? It may be an abscess. Your dentist can provide effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent complications.
- Swollen Gums: Swollen gums, a common issue as we age, can often be managed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, helping you keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
- Toothache: That nagging toothache can make eating and sleeping difficult. Your dentist can diagnose the problem, such as a cracked tooth or abscess, and offer solutions to restore your oral health and overall well-being.
- Plaque: Plaque, a colorless film of bacteria, contributes to cavities and gum problems, so consistent brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are important for long-term oral health.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: Experiencing an unpleasant taste? This could be a sign of an underlying dental problem or a side effect of medication, and your dentist can help find solutions to restore your sense of taste and overall comfort.
- Tooth Loss: Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and quality of life, but advancements in dental technology provide safe and effective solutions to replace them and improve your oral health and overall well-being.
- Dental Trauma: Experiencing a broken tooth or injured mouth from an unexpected event? Don't worry; prompt dental care can minimize discomfort and prevent further complications, helping you maintain your independence.
- Canker Sore: While usually not serious, canker sores can cause significant discomfort, making eating and talking difficult; your dentist can offer advice to help manage your pain and prevent future occurrences.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: That clicking sound when you open or close your mouth might indicate a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a condition easily addressed by your dentist through personalized treatment plans to minimize discomfort and maintain your independence.
- Tooth Damage: Whether it's a small chip or a significant fracture, your dentist can assess the damage and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your teeth's function and appearance.
- 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.
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. Kirsten Teresi offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Regular dental visits and, if necessary, the use of amalgam fillings as a restorative treatment, can play a critical role in preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
- Dental Cleaning: A professional dental cleaning helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing your risk of infections that can impact your overall well-being.
- 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 Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services are key to maintaining your dentures or other dental replacements, ensuring comfort and proper function for many years to come.
- 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.
- 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.
- Teeth Extraction: Extraction may be necessary to manage severe gum disease or a tooth that's causing chronic pain or discomfort, improving a senior's quality of life.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can brighten your smile and boost your confidence, enhancing your overall well-being as part of a comprehensive dental care plan.
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. Kirsten Teresi 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 tender gums no longer causing discomfort, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite meals and conversations with family more comfortably.
- After effective treatment for a tooth abscess, a senior couple could once again enjoy their favorite evening activity of sharing a meal together without the agonizing pain.
- A senior citizen, previously uncomfortable eating and worried about their smile, found relief from swollen gums thanks to improved oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. They were soon able to enjoy their favorite foods and smile confidently again.
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. Kirsten Teresi:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Teresi's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness, not just healthy teeth.
- 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 a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Teresi 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 appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is taken out for cleaning.
- 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 to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 by enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Teresi can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for cavities or other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- 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 full dentures and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Teresi performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. This involves a visual inspection of your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, as well as a gentle feeling of your jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or sores. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
- 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, while a crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection for a tooth that is more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
36207 E Lake Rd
Palm Harbor FL 34685
Phone: (727) 787-9696
Dr. Kirsten Teresi, 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): 1124470877
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. Kirsten Teresi 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.