Dr. Melissa Kindig, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Port St. Lucie, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring her patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. As a partner in senior health, Dr. Kindig understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing the vital link between oral health and 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. Melissa Kindig is committed to this collaborative approach, working closely with patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans based on the latest evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, empowered, and actively involved in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (772) 335-3088 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Melissa Kindig, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Port St. Lucie, FL, dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to seniors. Her approach to care emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based strategy, ensuring that every patient receives the personalized attention and comprehensive support they deserve. Dr. Melissa Kindig provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Melissa Kindig is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Melissa Kindig is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to their unique needs. She understands the importance of oral health in overall well-being, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create a coordinated plan that prioritizes comfort, independence, and optimal oral and systemic health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Melissa Kindig can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- 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. Melissa Kindig 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:
- Oral Motor Problems: If you're finding it hard to control your mouth muscles during eating or speaking, don't hesitate to see your dentistthey can evaluate the problem and offer tailored advice and treatments.
- Cleft Lip: Although a cleft lip is typically addressed early in life, ongoing dental care is important for those with this condition to maintain oral health and prevent complications as they age.
- Thrush: For seniors, thrush can be a significant discomfort. A visit to your dentist for diagnosis and treatment can bring quick relief and help you maintain your independence.
- Gingivostomatitis: Gingivostomatitis is an inflammation of the gums and mouth lining, often causing discomfort and making eating and speaking difficult, but it's treatable with your dentist's help.
- Canker Sore: While usually not serious, canker sores can cause significant discomfort, making eating and talking difficult; your dentist can offer advice to help manage your pain and prevent future occurrences.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: Dry mouth, a common symptom of Sjögren's Syndrome, can be managed with artificial saliva and other strategies, preserving the health of your teeth and making eating more enjoyable.
- Tartar Buildup: Tartar buildup is a common dental issue where mineralized plaque hardens on your teeth, potentially causing gum problems; professional cleanings from your dentist remove this to prevent further issues.
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. Melissa Kindig offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Prosthetic: Your dentist uses prosthetics to restore your smile and function, helping you enjoy your favorite foods and improving your overall quality of life.
- Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: Diode laser technology offers a precise and minimally invasive way to address soft tissue concerns, improving the overall success of restorative dental work for seniors.
- Inlay Restoration: Inlay restoration helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to a larger filling, improving the long-term health of your teeth.
- Comprehensive Dental Exam: A comprehensive dental exam helps your dentist determine the best treatment options for any dental issues you may have, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective care.
- Infuse Bone Graft: Infused bone grafts are sometimes necessary before placing dental implants to ensure adequate bone support, leading to better implant success and longevity.
- Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: In some cases, laser treatment can help dentists create more durable and aesthetically pleasing fillings, ensuring a better long-term outcome for elderly patients.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening helps remove stains and discoloration, revealing a healthier-looking smile and contributing to improved oral hygiene.
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. Melissa Kindig 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 tailored exercises and adjustments to her dentures, a woman regained her confidence in enjoying meals with her family, a cherished part of her daily routine.
- With regular dental checkups and personalized care, a senior with a cleft lip felt more confident smiling and eating, restoring a cherished part of their social life.
- A senior woman, previously struggling with the discomfort of thrush, found significant relief after a visit to her dentist. She was able to resume enjoying her favorite hobby of knitting without the persistent irritation and pain.
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. Melissa Kindig:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Regular dental care is crucial for overall health, not just for teeth. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for promoting systemic 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. Kindig 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. Kindig can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease if not treated. Dr. Kindig can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- 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 extra strength and protection.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Kindig 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.
- 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 a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As the jawbone and gums change over time, dentures can become loose. Dr. Kindig can reline the existing denture for a better fit, or create a new one if necessary. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
1202 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd
Port St. Lucie FL 34952
Phone: (772) 335-3088
Dr. Melissa Kindig, 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): 1184798670
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. Melissa Kindig 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.