Dr. Matthew Love, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Dental care for older adults at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Love 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. Matthew Love, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, committed to partnering with seniors on their health journey. He emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He prioritizes the needs of older adults, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to their specific requirements. Prospective patients should call (813) 885-6969 to confirm if Dr. Love is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Matthew Love provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Matthew Love is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Love is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care that extends beyond the teeth. He understands the unique needs of aging patients, meticulously managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare providers for a holistic approach to overall well-being. His focus is on creating a comfortable and supportive environment, ensuring the best possible oral and overall health outcomes for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Matthew Love 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
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Matthew Love 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:
- Dentofacial Anomalies: Misalignments or structural problems with your teeth and jaw, known as dentofacial anomalies, can affect your comfort and ability to eat; your dentist can create a personalized plan to address these issues.
- Mouth Lesions: Mouth lesions, while sometimes harmless, can sometimes indicate underlying issues and require a dentist's assessment for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, promoting better oral health and well-being.
- Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism): The unconscious grinding of teeth (bruxism) is surprisingly common and treatable; a simple visit to your dentist can provide a diagnosis and a solution, like a night guard, improving sleep quality and preventing dental damage.
- Herpes Stomatitis: Managing herpes stomatitis involves working closely with your dentist to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and maintain good oral health despite this condition.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): If you're self-conscious about showing too much gum tissue when you smile, know that a dentist can help improve your smile's appearance and boost your self-esteem.
- Dental Spacing: Wider spaces between your teeth can impact eating and your overall well-being, but your dentist can help determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatment to restore your comfort and confidence, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Alveolar Bone Loss: Alveolar bone loss is the gradual loss of the bone that supports your teeth, often a natural part of aging but made worse by gum disease, leading to loose teeth and potentially tooth loss, but treatable with bone grafts or implants to maintain your smile and ability to eat.
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. Matthew Love offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biocon Dental Implants: Biocon dental implants are a tooth replacement option that can help restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak comfortably.
- Surgical Biopsy: A surgical biopsy is a small procedure where a suspicious area in your mouth is removed and sent to a lab to check for cancer or other diseases.
- Molar Endodontics: Molar endodontics, or root canal treatment, helps save a severely damaged or infected molar, preventing the need for extraction and preserving your natural tooth.
- Maxillofacial Surgery: As part of a comprehensive oral health plan, maxillofacial surgery can help resolve structural problems affecting teeth and surrounding areas.
- Arestin Therapy: For seniors with gum disease, Arestin therapy offers a targeted approach to fighting infection, improving gum health and potentially preventing further tooth loss.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: As part of a comprehensive senior care plan, oral and maxillofacial surgery can help manage conditions affecting the jaw, mouth, and face, improving overall well-being.
- Root Canal Retreatment: To preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, root canal retreatment offers a second chance for teeth that have experienced infection after a previous procedure.
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. Matthew Love 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 improved alignment of her teeth and jaw, a senior woman rediscovered the joy of enjoying meals with her family, a cherished activity previously hampered by discomfort.
- A senior citizen, previously experiencing discomfort due to mouth lesions, regained their confidence in eating and smiling after a thorough dental evaluation and treatment plan. The family felt relieved knowing that the lesions were addressed, and their loved one was able to resume their favorite activities without pain or worry.
- A senior couple found relief from their nightly tooth grinding, enabling them to sleep soundly and wake refreshed, allowing them to enjoy their morning walks together.
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. Matthew Love:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Love's practice understands the critical link between oral and systemic health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk for 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 can significantly increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is your body's natural defense, so Dr. Love can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your 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 that clips onto existing teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Our office can address this with a relining procedure to reshape the underside of the denture for a snugger fit, or a new denture if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 to protect and strengthen it when the tooth is more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- 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 provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or even full dentures to prevent slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease if not treated. Dr. Love can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to resolve this issue.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of your routine dental exam. Dr. Love will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
6707 W Waters Ave
Tampa FL 33634
Phone: (813) 885-6969
Dr. Matthew Love, 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): 1578586723
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. Matthew Love 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.