Dr. Mark Hanson, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at our Punta Gorda, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring his patients receive the highest standard of care. Dr. Hanson understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that oral health significantly impacts overall well-being.
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. Hanson's approach to care is centered on building strong, trusting relationships with his patients, fostering a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, and decisions are made collaboratively. He is committed to evidence-based medicine, utilizing the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques to deliver the best possible care.
Dr. Mark Hanson, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Punta Gorda, FL. He is accepting new patients. Please call (941) 639-4176 to schedule an appointment. While Dr. Mark Hanson provides consultations primarily in English, he is dedicated to clear communication and strives to create a welcoming and understanding environment for all patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mark Hanson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hanson is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while meticulously collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal overall well-being. His personalized approach prioritizes each patient's comfort and independence, creating a supportive environment for a positive and healthy experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mark Hanson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mark Hanson 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:
- Cleft Lip and Palate: For seniors with cleft lip or palate, regular visits to the dentist are vital for preventing secondary dental problems and maintaining the integrity of previous surgical repairs, thus ensuring a better quality of life.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders can sometimes cause pain or discomfort, making it challenging to eat properly and affecting your nutrition; proactive dental care can alleviate these issues.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: A fall or impact can cause painful damage to your teeth, but a dentist can expertly repair or replace affected teeth, reducing discomfort and helping you maintain a healthy diet.
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition where a white patch forms on the side of your tongue. It's often associated with a viral infection and typically doesn't require specific treatment but should be monitored by your dentist.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw joint? This could be TMJ, and your dentist can provide solutions like splints or other therapies to relieve pain and restore normal jaw function, making eating and speaking easier.
- 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.
- Lockjaw: Trismus, or lockjaw, can significantly impact your ability to eat and maintain good oral hygiene. With the right care, including medication and therapy, you can regain comfort and function.
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. Mark Hanson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Same-Day Dental Crowns: Same-day dental crowns offer a convenient way to restore damaged teeth, improving chewing function and your overall quality of life.
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: Ceramic crowns offer a natural-looking restoration for your teeth, providing a long-term solution to protect and preserve the health of your mouth as part of comprehensive dental care.
- Prosthetic: Managing missing teeth with a prosthetic is crucial for maintaining the shape of your jawbone, thus preventing further dental and facial structure issues.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services are essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, helping seniors maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being.
- Fluoride Treatment: This preventative measure helps safeguard your teeth against decay and strengthens them, making your teeth more resilient and reducing your need for more extensive procedures later.
- Air Abrasion: Air abrasion is a gentle, minimally invasive method your dentist might use to remove tooth decay, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
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. Mark Hanson 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 regular dental checkups, a senior with cleft lip and palate felt more confident smiling and eating, reclaiming a cherished hobby of sharing meals with family.
- With improved dental health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, laughing over their favorite dishes, and savoring the simple pleasure of eating without discomfort.
- After a fall, a senior felt significant discomfort from their damaged teeth. With expert dental care, they regained the ability 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. He 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. Mark Hanson:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Hanson'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 vital for maintaining not just healthy teeth, but also your 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's 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. Hanson can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove them after eating and rinse them thoroughly. Use a soft denture brush and 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.
- 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. Hanson can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent restoration cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Hanson's oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine exam. He will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations and gently feel 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 used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing added 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're a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
350 Mary St Ste E
Punta Gorda FL 33950
Phone: (941) 639-4176
Dr. Mark Hanson, 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): 1033124474
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. Mark Hanson 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.