Dr. Mariel Petruk, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults 65 years and older at her clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Recognizing the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, Dr. Petruk understands that general dentists play a crucial role in the senior population. She focuses on managing age-related dental issues, such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall health for her patients.
Dr. Mariel Petruk, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 2014. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Petruk offers consultations in Spanish and can be reached at (954) 787-6469 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mariel Petruk is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Mariel Petruk is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care with a focus on the unique needs of older adults. She expertly manages age-related dental issues, collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. Her approach prioritizes understanding each patient's individual circumstances, fostering a supportive environment that promotes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mariel Petruk can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
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. Mariel Petruk 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:
- Cavity: A cavity, or dental caries, is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay that can be repaired with a filling to prevent further damage and discomfort.
- Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, a common mishap, can be easily repaired by your dentist, restoring both your smile's appearance and your confidence in chewing comfortably.
- 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.
- Gingivitis: Inflamed and irritated gums, known as gingivitis, can be addressed through better oral care habits and professional cleaning by your dentist to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease involves inflammation and infection of the gums, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated; however, your dentist can provide treatments to stop its progression and maintain your oral health.
- 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.
- Tooth Decay: Untreated tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems like infections or tooth loss, negatively affecting your ability to eat and speak clearly. Regular dental care will help prevent such issues and keep you healthy and independent.
- Tooth Demineralization: Demineralization is a process where teeth lose minerals, increasing the chance of decay; your dentist can identify this early and use treatments like fluoride to protect your teeth and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Tooth Discoloration: Stains or discoloration on your teeth may affect how you feel about your smile. A visit to your dentist can reveal the cause and explore various solutions, such as bleaching or bonding, to improve your confidence and overall well-being.
- Tooth Loss: While tooth loss is a natural part of aging for some, it's often preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, and there are many ways to replace missing teeth to maintain your independence.
- 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.
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. Mariel Petruk offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Bonding: Incorporating dental bonding into your care plan helps maintain the health and appearance of your teeth, boosting your self-esteem and oral function.
- Dental Bridge: To maintain your oral health, a dental bridge helps restore chewing ability and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, enhancing both function and aesthetics.
- 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.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are tooth-colored materials used to repair cavities, restoring the tooth's function and appearance as part of your overall dental health plan.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical gum treatment helps identify and manage gum disease, a common problem for seniors that can impact overall health.
- 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.
- Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line, supporting your gums' health and preventing further gum disease.
- Teeth Extraction: Extracting a tooth can be part of a comprehensive care plan, addressing pain, infection, or preparing for dentures or implants.
- Lower Dentures: Regular check-ups and adjustments of your lower dentures are crucial for preventing discomfort and potential health issues.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
- Dental Crown: If a filling isn't enough to repair a significantly damaged tooth, a crown provides a durable, long-lasting solution, ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
- Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy.
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. Mariel Petruk 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 a thorough examination and a filling, a senior woman rediscovered the joy of biting into an apple without pain, a simple pleasure she had long missed. Her family was relieved that she could now comfortably eat her favorite foods again.
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to bite into crunchy foods, regained her joy of eating apples and other favorites after a chipped tooth was expertly repaired. She felt renewed confidence in her ability to enjoy meals comfortably.
- Improved dental health allowed a senior to confidently enjoy chewing their favorite crunchy vegetables again, boosting their overall well-being and maintaining their independence.
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. Mariel Petruk:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Petruk'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 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. Petruk can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your 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, making teeth more vulnerable. Dr. Petruk 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 appliance cemented to your teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth to replace missing ones. The choice depends on your specific needs and preferences, as discussed with Dr. Petruk.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 and preventing slipping. They are a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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 a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is more 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 gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Petruk can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
416 SE 11th Ct
Fort Lauderdale FL 33316
Phone: (954) 787-6469
Dr. Mariel Petruk, DDS 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): 1518373018
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. Mariel Petruk 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.