Dr. Maria Luong, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Lady Lake, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Luong understands the unique dental needs of individuals 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. Maria Luong, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lady Lake, FL. She is accepting new patients. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone feels respected and understood. Dr. Luong provides consultations primarily in English. To schedule an appointment, please call (352) 350-1933.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Maria Luong is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Maria Luong is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of aging adults. She meticulously addresses age-related oral health issues, such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to well-being, maximizing comfort and overall health for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Maria Luong can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Maria Luong 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:
- Overbite: If you have an overbite, meaning your upper teeth project too far over your lower teeth, it might impact your chewing or self-confidence. Your dentist can assess it and recommend ways to address it, potentially improving both your eating and appearance.
- 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.
- Oral Motor Problems: Oral motor problems can be frustrating, making simple tasks like eating and talking more difficult, but your dentist can work with you to develop solutions to maintain your ability to enjoy meals and communicate effectively.
- Edentulism (Toothlessness): Edentulism, or toothlessness, is the complete loss of teeth, which can impact chewing, speaking, and overall confidence, but thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions like dentures or implants to restore function and improve quality of life.
- Tongue Conditions: If you experience any discomfort or changes in your tongue, such as unusual texture or color, it's important to visit your dentist for a thorough examination and appropriate management, helping to preserve your oral health and overall health.
- Alveolar Bone Loss: Alveolar bone loss means the jawbone supporting your teeth is thinning, often linked to gum disease or aging; thankfully, dentists can address this through various treatments, improving your oral health and confidence.
- Salivary Duct Stones: If you experience swelling near your salivary glands, along with pain and difficulty eating, you may have salivary duct stones which are treatable.
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. Maria Luong offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Nobel Biocare Implants: As part of a comprehensive dental plan, Nobel Biocare implants offer a secure and long-lasting solution for seniors who have lost teeth, restoring their oral function.
- Denture Consultation: This consultation is a crucial step in creating a personalized plan for your denture care, covering adjustments, repairs, or even exploring newer denture options to improve your quality of life.
- Denture Repair: Addressing denture problems promptly through repair helps avoid more extensive or costly procedures down the line.
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPD): As part of a comprehensive care plan, removable partial dentures help manage the loss of teeth, improving a senior's overall quality of life and nutritional intake.
- Endodontic Surgery: In certain cases, endodontic surgery may be recommended to repair a fractured tooth root or address a severe injury, thereby helping to preserve the tooth's function and longevity.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Addressing gum disease is a crucial step in creating a comprehensive oral health plan, ensuring your smile stays healthy for years to come.
- Dental Prophylaxis: As part of your comprehensive care plan, dental prophylaxis removes plaque and tartar buildup, reducing your risk of infections and other oral health complications.
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. Maria Luong 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:
- Mrs. Hernandez, after years of discomfort with her overbite, found that with her dentist's guidance, she could once again enjoy her favorite foods without pain and with improved self-confidence.
- A senior enjoyed a more comfortable mealtime again after a chipped tooth was repaired, allowing her to easily bite into her favorite fruits and vegetables. This simple dental procedure brought a renewed sense of enjoyment to her daily life.
- With improved oral motor function, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite meals again, without the frustration of struggling to eat. The family felt a sense of relief knowing their loved one could once more fully participate in family meals.
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. Maria Luong:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Luong's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic 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 only healthy teeth but also overall health and 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 a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Luong can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 more serious gum disease. Dr. Luong can help create an effective home care routine and provide a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Luong 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 checks your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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 needed when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal to provide extra strength and protection.
- 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture, preventing slipping. They are a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent fixture cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge fills the gap with a false tooth, and a partial denture fills in the missing teeth.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
972 Del Mar Dr
Lady Lake FL 32159
Phone: (352) 350-1933
Dr. Maria Luong, 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): 1689825176
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. Maria Luong 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.