Dr. Kristen Bonis, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Skymarks Family Dental Care in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Bonis understands the unique oral health needs of those 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes 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. Bonis is currently welcoming new patients. She is committed to making every patient visit a positive experience. Her mission, as she states, is to make her patients feel comfortable, listen attentively to their needs, and demonstrate genuine care. Dr. Bonis is Invisalign certified, nitrous oxide certified, and has completed continuing education in implant dentistry. She is a member of the American Association of Women Dentists, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. Beyond her professional life, she is actively involved in community service, enjoys various hobbies, and is committed to providing exceptional, personalized care. Please call (904) 503-2274 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kristen Bonis provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Kristen Bonis is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Bonis is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to their unique needs. She recognizes the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, meticulously managing age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach. Her commitment extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's individual circumstances and goals, fostering a supportive environment for optimal oral and overall health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kristen Bonis can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Ameritas
Dental Network of America
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Delta Dental of Washington
- Dental
- Dental Complete
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Guardian
- MetLife
- MetLife PPO
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kristen Bonis 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: If your gums are tender to the touch, don't delay scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Early detection and management can prevent more serious dental problems.
- Chipped Tooth: Experiencing a chipped tooth can be concerning, but your dentist can assess the damage and recommend the best treatment to protect the tooth from further harm and restore its function.
- 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.
- Tooth Decay: As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to decay, but with prompt treatment from your dentist, such as fillings or crowns, you can preserve your natural teeth and continue to eat and smile with confidence.
- Sensitive Teeth: Don't let sensitive teeth prevent you from enjoying a healthy and delicious diet. Your dentist can provide relief and effective treatments to help you manage this common age-related concern and enjoy mealtimes again.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a wide range of issues affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth, and regular dental checkups help detect and manage them effectively, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where your gums become inflamed and may bleed easily, often manageable with improved brushing and flossing techniques.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: That lingering bad taste can affect your enjoyment of food and drinks, impacting your nutrition and overall well-being. A visit to your dentist might reveal a simple fix to this common problem.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: If your jaw clicks or pops, it's important to see your dentist. TMJ issues can often be treated conservatively with simple changes, helping you maintain a good quality of life as you age.
- Canker Sore: If you're experiencing recurring or unusually large canker sores, it's important to consult your dentist, as they might indicate an underlying medical condition that needs attention, and your dentist can help identify the cause and provide effective treatment.
- Tooth Discoloration: Don't let stained or discolored teeth affect your confidence. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like whitening or cosmetic bonding to improve the look of your smile, making you feel better about your appearance.
- Swollen Gums: Don't let swollen gums affect your enjoyment of food and life; early detection and treatment by a dentist can often resolve the issue quickly and prevent further complications.
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. Kristen Bonis offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: During a routine check-up, your dentist might recommend amalgam fillings to address tooth decay, ensuring your teeth remain strong and functional.
- 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: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, helping maintain your smile and ability to eat comfortably.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services are essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, helping seniors maintain healthy smiles 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.
- Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital part of preserving your natural teeth, preventing the need for more extensive procedures like extractions.
- Teeth Extraction: Extracting a tooth can be part of a comprehensive care plan, addressing pain, infection, or preparing for dentures or implants.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
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. Kristen Bonis 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 tender gums, a senior enjoyed a renewed sense of comfort and confidence in eating their favorite foods after a visit to a general dentist. The patient's family felt relieved knowing that early intervention prevented more serious dental issues.
- A senior citizen, no longer self-conscious about their smile, regained the confidence to enjoy their favorite hobby of volunteering at the local animal shelter.
- After a fall that resulted in a fractured tooth, a senior felt immediate relief from pain and discomfort with the dentist's treatment. They were able to return to their favorite hobby of baking cookies for their grandchildren, a cherished family tradition.
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. Kristen Bonis:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Bonis's practice emphasizes the crucial 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 vital for maintaining not only healthy teeth 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 the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Bonis can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, 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 when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to periodontitis if untreated. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Bonis can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Bonis performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. She visually inspects your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or changes in color, and gently feels your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, 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. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Bonis can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
Skymarks Family Dental Care
790 Skymarks Dr Ste 109
Jacksonville FL 32218
Phone: (904) 503-2274
Dr. Kristen Bonis, 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): 1881959070
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. Kristen Bonis 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.