Dr. Melvin Benson, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at our Sarasota, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care. Dr. Benson understands the unique oral health 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. Benson is committed to this collaborative approach, utilizing evidence-based medicine to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (941) 425-6367 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Melvin Benson, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Sarasota, FL. He is accepting new patients and prioritizing the well-being of his senior patients. Dr. Benson's practice is focused on providing high-quality, compassionate care, recognizing the importance of a supportive relationship between patient, family, and healthcare professional. He is committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment, empowering patients to actively participate in their dental care decisions. Dr. Melvin Benson provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Melvin Benson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Benson is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering 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 collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal overall well-being. His approach prioritizes the individual needs and goals of each patient, providing a supportive and reassuring experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Melvin Benson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Maintenance Organization DMO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Managed DentaGuard
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Melvin Benson 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: That bothersome cavity is a sign of tooth decay that needs attention; your dentist can easily fill it to stop the decay, prevent future problems, and maintain your ability to enjoy eating.
- Chipped Tooth: A small chip in your tooth might seem minor, but addressing it promptly helps prevent infection, discomfort, and potential problems down the line, ensuring you maintain your independence.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a wide range of issues affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth, and regular dental checkups help detect and manage them effectively, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
- 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: Maintaining healthy gums is crucial for overall well-being, and while gum disease can be a concern for seniors, diligent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can significantly reduce your risk and improve your quality of life.
- Sleep Apnea: Difficulty sleeping and daytime fatigue could signal sleep apnea, and a dentist can help you explore treatment options, including specialized mouthguards, to improve rest.
- Tooth Abscess: Experiencing intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity in your tooth? It may be an abscess. Your dentist can provide effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent complications.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are a common dental issue that can affect anyone at any age, including seniors, however, early detection through regular dental visits allows for timely treatment, preventing more extensive damage and avoiding painful procedures later.
- Tooth Discoloration: Tooth discoloration, a change in your teeth's color, can be addressed by your dentist through professional cleaning, whitening treatments, or veneers to restore a brighter smile and boost your confidence.
- 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.
- Toothache: A toothache, that persistent pain in your tooth, is often caused by decay, infection, or injury and can be relieved with a visit to your dentist who will provide the necessary treatment, improving your comfort 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. Melvin Benson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that repairs chipped or cracked teeth, improving your smile's appearance and confidence.
- Root Canal: As part of your ongoing dental health, a root canal can address severe toothaches and restore a tooth's function, helping you eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions help remove problematic teeth that may be causing pain, infection, or impacting the health of surrounding teeth, thus improving overall oral health.
- Dental Inlays: Inlays strengthen teeth weakened by decay or fractures, helping your dentist create a comprehensive plan for long-term oral health.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: This procedure addresses any damage or issues with your existing dental implants, helping maintain their long-term health and preventing further problems.
- Denture Repair: Addressing denture problems promptly through repair helps avoid more extensive or costly procedures down the line.
- Dental Bridge: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a dental bridge helps manage the consequences of missing teeth, preventing further dental issues and improving your quality of life.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic dental cleaning uses high-frequency vibrations to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, helping prevent gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- Composite Fillings: As a key step in managing tooth decay, composite fillings help prevent further damage and discomfort, contributing to a healthier mouth for seniors.
- Dental Crown: To protect a weakened tooth from further damage and prevent future dental problems, your dentist might recommend a dental crown as part of your comprehensive care plan.
- 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. Melvin Benson 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:
- Grandma enjoyed her favorite crunchy apples again, a simple pleasure restored after the dentist filled the cavity and prevented further decay. Her family was relieved to see her smile so bright and healthy once more.
- Concerned about a chipped tooth, a senior was relieved when a simple dental procedure addressed the issue, restoring their confidence to enjoy their favorite foods without discomfort. The family felt a sense of peace knowing this small, prompt intervention prevented further complications and maintained their loved one's ability to eat independently.
- With improved oral health, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite foods again without pain or discomfort, significantly enhancing their overall well-being.
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. Melvin Benson:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Benson'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 essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums, 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. Benson can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Benson's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, yet crucial part of your routine dental exam. He will visually inspect your mouth and throat for unusual sores or changes in color, and gently feel your jaw and neck for any lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is taken out for cleaning.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive 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 is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Benson can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Changes in your jawbone and gums over time can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture can be made 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. Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has undergone a root canal, providing added strength and protection.
1435 S Tamiami Trl Ste B
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 425-6367
Dr. Melvin Benson, 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): 1326102849
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. Melvin Benson 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.