Dr. Leslie Ferrara, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Tampa, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to the specialized needs of her patient population, 65 years and older. Dr. Ferrara understands the unique oral health challenges that can arise with age, and her practice focuses on providing not only excellent dental care but also on collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. She is committed to providing a warm, comfortable, and respectful environment for her patients.
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. Ferrara, with over 15 years of dedicated experience, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School Of Dental Medicine in 2009 and completed her residency in General Dentistry at Bay Pines Va Medical Center in 2010. Dr. Ferrara is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition (2004) and is dedicated to staying current in her continuing education, as a member of the Spears Study Club. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (813) 229-8090 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ferrara also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Leslie Ferrara is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Leslie Ferrara is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. She understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, expertly managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Dr. Ferrara collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on the individual needs and goals of each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Leslie Ferrara can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- 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 Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Leslie Ferrara 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:
- Sleep Apnea: Difficulty sleeping and daytime fatigue could signal sleep apnea, and a dentist can help you explore treatment options, including specialized mouthguards, to improve rest.
- Tooth Decay: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, are essential steps to prevent tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile throughout your golden years.
- Dental Disorders: Addressing dental disorders helps prevent infections and complications that can lead to further health problems, ensuring you can maintain your independence and enjoy your favorite foods.
- Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth might be concerning, but many effective treatments are available. Your dentist can determine the source of the discoloration and recommend a personalized plan to restore the appearance of your teeth and improve your self-esteem.
- 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 Loss: Tooth loss, a common concern as we age, can be managed effectively with various replacement options like dentures, bridges, or implants, improving chewing, speaking, and overall confidence.
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? Don't suffer in silence; a prompt visit to your dentist can identify the cause whether it's a cavity, gum disease, or something else and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
- Gum Disease: Experiencing bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath could be signs of gum disease; seeking prompt professional care from your dentist allows for early intervention and preservation of your teeth.
- Cavity: That bothersome cavity is a sign of tooth decay that needs attention; your dentist can easily fill it to stop the decay, prevent future problems, and maintain your ability to enjoy eating.
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are misaligned, it may make it harder to clean them thoroughly, increasing your risk of gum disease. Your dentist can help improve your oral health and make cleaning easier.
- 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.
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess in your tooth is a serious infection that causes a pocket of pus to form, and it needs attention from your dentist to avoid spreading and causing more discomfort.
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. Leslie Ferrara offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling is a key part of your dental checkup, helping your dentist identify potential oral health problems early.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: By removing plaque and bacteria with ultrasonic technology, this cleaning helps reduce inflammation and improve gum health, a vital aspect of your overall health journey.
- Denture Repair: Addressing denture problems promptly through repair helps avoid more extensive or costly procedures down the line.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoring dental implants ensures your artificial teeth remain secure, comfortable, and functional, supporting your ability to eat and speak well.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that repairs chipped or cracked teeth, improving your smile's appearance and confidence.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance, addressing cosmetic concerns as part of a comprehensive dental plan.
- 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 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 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.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are removable replacements for missing upper teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall comfort for seniors.
- Teeth Extraction: Tooth extraction is the removal of a severely damaged or infected tooth, helping to prevent further oral health problems and improve overall comfort.
- Dental Onlay: A dental onlay serves as a significant step in preserving your teeth, especially when dealing with larger areas of decay or damage, providing a long-lasting solution in your senior care journey.
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. Leslie Ferrara 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:
- After struggling with daytime fatigue and restless nights, a senior couple found relief from sleep apnea with the help of a specialized mouthguard. They were able to enjoy evening walks together again, re-energized and more connected.
- Grandma beamed as she enjoyed her favorite applesauce again, no longer struggling with the pain of tooth decay. Regular dental checkups and improved oral hygiene practices significantly improved her quality of life.
- With improved oral health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, savoring the textures and tastes of their favorite foods. Their increased confidence and comfort in their home environment reflected the positive impact of their dental care.
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. Leslie Ferrara:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Ferrara's practice emphasizes the critical 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 essential for maintaining not just healthy teeth, but also overall health and wellness.
- 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. Ferrara can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Ferrara's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, yet vital part of your routine dental exam. She will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for any 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 gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis. Dr. Ferrara can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- 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 like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in seniors is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down the enamel. Dr. Ferrara can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap, restoring a continuous smile. A partial denture clips onto existing teeth to fill in the gaps of missing teeth.
- 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 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.
201 E Kennedy Blvd Ste 1425
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: (813) 229-8090
Dr. Leslie Ferrara, 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): 1255561692
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. Leslie Ferrara 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.