Dr. Mark Sokolov, DDS is a General Dentist 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) at his Seminole, FL clinic. Dr. Sokolov 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. He focuses on managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being for his patients.
A 1987 graduate of the University of Michigan Dental School, Dr. Sokolov has been practicing dentistry in Pinellas County since 1989, consistently striving to incorporate the latest advancements in general dentistry. He is committed to building lasting relationships with his patients, and he and his wife, Debbie, are proud parents of three sons. Dr. Sokolov is currently welcoming new patients, and they can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 548-7100. He provides consultations primarily in English. At Sokolov & Piper Family Dentistry, the team's philosophy centers on comprehensive and preventive care, ensuring patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their oral health.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mark Sokolov is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Mark Sokolov 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, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease. His approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers, ensuring optimal oral and overall well-being for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mark Sokolov 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
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mark Sokolov 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.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
- Broken Tooth: A broken tooth doesn't have to mean the end of comfortable eating. Your dentist can offer various solutions, from a simple repair to a more substantial restoration, depending on the severity of the break, ensuring you can continue enjoying meals.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, happens when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage your tooth enamel, leading to holes in your teeth that can cause pain and discomfort, but regular dental checkups and treatments can prevent further damage and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- 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.
- Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral health is crucial for seniors as it significantly affects overall well-being, and addressing dental disorders can improve your diet, confidence, and overall quality of life.
- Misaligned Teeth: Over time, teeth can shift, causing discomfort and affecting your bite. Your dentist can assess the misalignment and recommend treatment options to restore proper chewing and improve your smile.
- 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.
- Toothache: If you're dealing with a toothache, it's important to seek dental care right away. Your dentist can assess the pain, determine the source (like a cavity or impacted wisdom tooth), and create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.
- Tooth Damage: Whether it's a small chip or a significant fracture, your dentist can assess the damage and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your teeth's function and appearance.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth, but with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene, it can often be managed effectively.
- Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can make eating and speaking difficult, but your dentist can help stabilize them or replace them with comfortable, secure options to maintain your independence.
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 Sokolov offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Denture Repair: Denture repair helps restore the proper fit and function of your dentures, improving comfort and chewing ability.
- Dental Crown: Dental crowns are a key restorative treatment used to manage severely damaged or decayed teeth, improving both your oral health and overall well-being.
- 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.
- Lower Dentures: Regular check-ups and adjustments of your lower dentures are crucial for preventing discomfort and potential health issues.
- Dental Bridge: In your senior care journey, a dental bridge serves as a long-term solution, preventing further jawbone resorption and improving your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy life's flavors.
- Dental Inlays: A dental inlay is a strong, tooth-colored restoration that helps your dentist manage moderate tooth decay and maintain a beautiful smile.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoration of dental implants helps preserve your smile and confidence, allowing you to enjoy eating and social interactions without discomfort.
- Root Planing: During a root planing procedure, your dentist carefully cleans the tooth roots to eliminate infection and inflammation, helping to diagnose and address the severity of gum disease.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are removable replacements for missing upper teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall comfort for seniors.
- Composite Fillings: During a routine checkup, your dentist may recommend composite fillings to address minor cavities and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later.
- Porcelain Veneers: To address aesthetic issues and improve the look of your smile, your dentist might recommend porcelain veneers as a long-lasting solution within your overall dental care strategy.
- Dental Bonding: As part of your overall dental care, bonding helps to restore the integrity of a tooth, protecting it from further damage and potential infection.
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 Sokolov 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:
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to smile widely, regained her confidence after a filling addressed a painful cavity. She now enjoyed laughing freely with her grandchildren at family gatherings.
- With the guidance of a general dentist, a senior was able to regain the ability to eat a wider variety of foods, increasing their nutritional intake and overall well-being.
- A senior citizen, previously hesitant to eat certain foods due to a broken tooth, regained their enjoyment of meals with a simple dental repair. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could comfortably eat 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 Sokolov:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall well-being. Bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only 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 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. Sokolov 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. Dr. Sokolov can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- 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 left untreated. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Sokolov can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner daily on all surfaces. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak 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 seniors with sufficient jawbone health. They are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture to prevent slipping. This is 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 when it's more damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, our jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. We can often reline the existing denture to create a snugger fit, or create a new denture if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
7500 Bryan Dairy Rd Ste C
Seminole FL 33777
Phone: (727) 548-7100
Dr. Mark Sokolov, 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): 1689762551
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 Sokolov 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.