Dr. Nageen Rak, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at Sunshine Dental of Gulf Breeze in Gulf Breeze, FL. Dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care specifically for older adults (65 years and older), she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Rak is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each patient feels heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (941) 292-2518 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Nageen Rak, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Gulf Breeze, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School Of Dental Medicine in 2000, followed by residency training in General Dentists at Metro Health Hosp/Case Wstn Rsvr University (graduated 2002). With this extensive background and experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She specializes in the comprehensive medical care of 65 years and older, and is committed to evidence-based medicine, collaboration, and creating a supportive environment for her patients. Dr. Rak provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Nageen Rak is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rak is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. She understands the unique needs of older adults, meticulously managing age-related oral health issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Her approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Nageen Rak 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
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Nageen Rak 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:
- Bad Taste in Mouth: That lingering bad taste can affect your enjoyment of food and drinks, impacting your nutrition and overall well-being. A visit to your dentist might reveal a simple fix to this common problem.
- 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.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Don't let jaw clicking affect your enjoyment of meals or conversations. A dentist can diagnose and treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, often improving function and reducing pain with minimal intervention, keeping you comfortable and active.
- Plaque: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth, and regular brushing and flossing help remove it to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Dental Injury: A dental injury, such as a chipped tooth or broken denture, can be painful and affect your ability to eat comfortably, but your dentist can repair or replace the damaged tooth or denture, restoring your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Canker Sore: Canker sores, those annoying little mouth ulcers, can be treated with over-the-counter remedies to soothe the pain and promote faster healing, and your dentist can provide guidance on appropriate treatment.
- Tooth Decay: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, are essential steps to prevent tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile throughout your golden years.
- Tender Gums: Tenderness in your gums might indicate an underlying issue that can impact your oral health and overall well-being; your dentist can address the issue and improve your comfort.
- Tooth Loss: Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and quality of life, but advancements in dental technology provide safe and effective solutions to replace them and improve your oral health and overall well-being.
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? Don't suffer in silence; a prompt visit to your dentist can identify the cause whether it's a cavity, gum disease, or something else and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
- Swollen Gums: Swollen gums, a common issue as we age, can often be managed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, helping you keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
- Tooth Damage: Protecting your teeth from further damage is crucial for maintaining your independence and quality of life; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment are key.
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. Nageen Rak offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings serve as a key element in maintaining oral function and comfort by restoring damaged teeth to their original shape and function.
- Dental Cleaning: A professional dental cleaning helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing your risk of infections that can impact your overall well-being.
- 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.
- Dental Hygiene Services: These services help diagnose potential issues early, contributing to a comprehensive healthcare strategy that considers your senior's overall health and quality of life.
- Dental Implant: If you're dealing with missing teeth, dental implants can be incorporated into your comprehensive dental care plan to restore your smile, improve your bite, and prevent further oral health problems.
- 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.
- Teeth Extraction: Sometimes, removing a tooth is a crucial step in preparing for the placement of dentures, bridges, or dental implants, ensuring a successful outcome for tooth replacement.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can brighten your smile and boost your confidence, enhancing your overall well-being as part of a comprehensive dental care plan.
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. Nageen Rak 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 bothered by a persistent bad taste, rediscovered her love for cooking and enjoyed meals with her family again after a dental visit revealed and corrected the underlying cause.
- With improved oral health, a senior felt more confident smiling and eating a wider variety of foods, leading to a noticeable boost in their overall well-being.
- After experiencing persistent jaw clicking, a senior was able to enjoy meals and conversations without discomfort, regaining a sense of ease and confidence in daily life.
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. Nageen Rak:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also your overall 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. Rak 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 properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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, providing strength and protection for a tooth that's more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Changes in the 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 may be needed if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if not treated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Rak can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, and vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Rak 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.
- 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. Rak can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other problems like cavities or cracked teeth.
Sunshine Dental of Gulf Breeze
3474 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze FL 32563
Phone: (941) 292-2518
Dr. Nageen Rak, 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): 1528232204
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. Nageen Rak 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.