Dr. Nilash Patel, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at our Lutz, FL clinic, 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), ensuring you receive the highest quality and legally sound care. His commitment extends beyond routine check-ups; he understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that oral health is inextricably linked to 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. Nilash Patel is deeply committed to this collaborative approach, prioritizing evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (813) 909-8400 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Nilash Patel, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lutz, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Nilash Patel provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Nilash Patel is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Patel 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 closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible overall well-being. His focus extends beyond teeth to the impact oral health has on overall health, creating a personalized plan to maintain comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Nilash Patel 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
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- 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 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. Nilash Patel 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:
- Facial Trauma: Facial injuries can impact your eating and speaking, but with timely dental intervention and careful treatment, you can regain your comfort and confidence.
- Herpes Stomatitis: Herpes stomatitis is a painful mouth sore caused by the herpes simplex virus, and your dentist can help manage the discomfort and prevent complications.
- Plaque: Plaque, a colorless film of bacteria, contributes to cavities and gum problems, so consistent brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are important for long-term oral health.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw joint? This could be TMJ, and your dentist can provide solutions like splints or other therapies to relieve pain and restore normal jaw function, making eating and speaking easier.
- Mouth Conditions: Mouth conditions encompass a wide range of oral health issues, from common problems like dry mouth and gum disease to more serious concerns such as tooth decay and oral cancer, all of which your dentist can help manage.
- Open Bite: An open bite happens when your upper and lower teeth don't meet properly, leaving a space between them, which a dentist can help address to improve chewing and speech.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Dysfunction: TMJ dysfunction, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a problem with the jaw joint that can cause pain, clicking, and difficulty opening your mouth, but with proper management from your dentist, you can find relief and improved comfort.
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. Nilash Patel offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Restorative Procedure: As part of your comprehensive dental care, restorative procedures address tooth damage, improving chewing function and preventing further issues.
- Single Visit Root Canals: By completing the root canal in a single visit, your dentist minimizes discomfort and streamlines the treatment process for a more efficient and comfortable experience.
- Cone Beam 3D Imaging: For seniors, cone beam 3D imaging offers a less invasive way to diagnose potential issues and ensures your dentist can effectively plan for procedures that may be more complicated due to age-related changes.
- Denture Impression: Creating a personalized denture requires a precise denture impression of your gums and jawbone to provide a perfect fit and maximize comfort.
- Denture Consultation: A denture consultation allows your dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth and gums, checking for any signs of irritation or infection associated with denture use and to make recommendations for treatment.
- Abscess Incision and Drainage: Abscess incision and drainage is a procedure to release pus from an infected tooth, relieving pain and preventing further complications for seniors.
- Porcelain Bridge: If you have one or more missing teeth, a porcelain bridge can restore your smile's appearance and function, playing an important role in maintaining your overall oral health and well-being.
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. Nilash Patel 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:
- After a fall, a senior felt self-conscious about their smile, but with a general dentist's care, they were able to regain their ability to eat comfortably and confidently smile again, returning to their favorite hobby of knitting.
- With the guidance of a caring dentist, a senior was able to manage the painful mouth sores of herpes stomatitis, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals and conversations again without discomfort.
- Grandma enjoyed her morning coffee and her favorite breakfast treats without the discomfort of inflamed gums. Consistent brushing and flossing, guided by a gentle dentist, helped her maintain a healthy smile and a happy, pain-free morning routine.
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. Nilash Patel:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. 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. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums, but also your overall health and 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. Patel can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Patel 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.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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. Patel can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent, fixed appliance cemented to your existing teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth to replace missing ones. The bridge fills the gap permanently, while the partial denture is removable for cleaning.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, changes in the jawbone and gums can cause dentures to loosen. Dr. Patel 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.
- 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
1849 Collier Pkwy
Lutz FL 33549
Phone: (813) 909-8400
Dr. Nilash Patel, 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): 1023037603
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. Nilash Patel 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.