Dr. Pamela Wade, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, at Jacaranda Dental Care in Venice, FL. She is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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. Wade understands the unique needs of this population and strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment for each patient. She is currently welcoming new patients; please call (941) 293-0344 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Wade is an esteemed member of the Doctor Mastery Program, a rigorous five-year program focused on clinical training from renowned clinicians. She has completed the Dawson Core curriculum and the Dr. Leadership series and is a member of the American Dental Society, Equilibration Society, American Dental Association, and The Dental Network. Dr. Wade's practice philosophy centers on doing the right things for the right reasons, providing quality care to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy, brilliant smile. She is a gentle and caring dentist, always attentive to her patients' dental needs. While primarily providing consultations in English, Dr. Wade is committed to creating a positive and supportive experience for every patient.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Pamela Wade is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pamela Wade is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. She understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and seamlessly collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal overall well-being. Her approach prioritizes a personalized plan for each patient, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Pamela Wade can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Delta Dental of Washington
- Dental
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Network of America
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Pamela Wade 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:
- Receding Gums: While receding gums might seem like a small issue, addressing it promptly can help prevent more serious problems later on and maintain your overall oral health and comfort.
- Loose Teeth: Having loose teeth can be unsettling, but your dentist can diagnose the underlying issue and offer various treatments, such as splinting or replacement, to improve your oral health and well-being.
- Mouth Conditions: Various mouth conditions can affect eating, speaking, and even self-confidence, but with proper dental care and treatment, many of these issues can be effectively managed, preserving independence and quality of life.
- Toothache: That nagging toothache can make eating and sleeping difficult. Your dentist can diagnose the problem, such as a cracked tooth or abscess, and offer solutions to restore your oral health and overall well-being.
- Swollen Gums: Notice your gums looking puffy? This could signal gum disease, but with prompt attention from your dentist, treatment like cleaning and medication can prevent more serious problems and maintain your ability to eat comfortably.
- Tooth Loss: While tooth loss is a natural part of aging for some, it's often preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, and there are many ways to replace missing teeth to maintain your independence.
- Gum Disease: As we age, gum disease becomes more common, but it's important to remember that early detection and treatment can prevent serious problems like tooth loss and keep you enjoying your favorite foods.
- Tooth Discoloration: Don't let stained or discolored teeth affect your confidence. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like whitening or cosmetic bonding to improve the look of your smile, making you feel better about your appearance.
- Dental Trauma: Dental trauma, 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 damaged teeth to restore your enjoyment of meals.
- 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.
- Cavity: A cavity, or dental caries, is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay that can be repaired with a filling to prevent further damage and discomfort.
- Sensitive Teeth: Don't let sensitive teeth prevent you from enjoying a healthy and delicious diet. Your dentist can provide relief and effective treatments to help you manage this common age-related concern and enjoy mealtimes again.
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. Pamela Wade offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: During a routine check-up, your dentist might recommend amalgam fillings to address tooth decay, ensuring your teeth remain strong and functional.
- Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleanings are a key part of your overall health plan, allowing your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
- 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: Dental hygiene services are essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, helping seniors maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being.
- Dental Implant: As a crucial part of your overall dental health plan, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, helping to prevent jawbone deterioration and maintain facial structure.
- 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: 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. Pamela Wade 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:
- Concerned about receding gums, a senior felt self-conscious about smiling. With professional guidance, they regained confidence, enjoying their favorite pastime of laughing with family again.
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to smile broadly, regained confidence after a dentist's assessment and treatment for loose teeth. She now enjoys laughing with her family at gatherings, feeling secure in her ability to eat her favorite foods.
- After struggling with persistent mouth discomfort, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, savoring each bite with renewed confidence.
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. Pamela Wade:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Wade's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic 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 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 is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Wade 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. Wade's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, yet vital part of your routine dental exam. She will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or changes, 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, which lacks the protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Wade can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- 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 left untreated. Dr. Wade can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to resolve this.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth. Soak your dentures overnight in 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 like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is more severely damaged or has had a root canal.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Wade understands that dentures can loosen over time as the jawbone and gums change shape. 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 important for comfortable eating and speaking.
Jacaranda Dental Care
160 Pointe Loop Dr
Venice FL 34293
Phone: (941) 293-0344
Dr. Pamela Wade, 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): 1720092133
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. Pamela Wade 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.