Dr. Rana Tuffaha, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Clermont, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to the unique oral health needs of individuals 65 years and older. 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. Tuffaha's approach to care centers around evidence-based medicine and a strong commitment to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
As a dentistry practitioner in Clermont, FL, Dr. Tuffaha understands the importance of personalized care for seniors. She recognizes that oral health is intrinsically linked to overall well-being, and she strives to address the specific needs of this population with empathy and expertise. She is passionate about helping seniors maintain their comfort and confidence as they age, ensuring they have the best possible oral health outcomes. Prospective patients seeking her services should call (352) 243-0018 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Rana Tuffaha provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Rana Tuffaha is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rana Tuffaha is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She provides meticulous attention to age-related oral health concerns, such as dry mouth and gum disease, and proactively collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rana Tuffaha can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Regional Preferred Dental PPO
- Regional Traditional Dental
- Total Dental DPPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rana Tuffaha 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:
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess in your tooth is a serious infection that causes a pocket of pus to form, and it needs attention from your dentist to avoid spreading and causing more discomfort.
- Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can impact your confidence and ability to eat properly, but a dentist can assess the situation, explore treatment options like crowns or implants, and restore your smile and quality of life.
- Overbite: If you have an overbite, meaning your upper teeth project too far over your lower teeth, it might impact your chewing or self-confidence. Your dentist can assess it and recommend ways to address it, potentially improving both your eating and appearance.
- Dental Trauma: Dental trauma can range from minor chips to serious injuries, but with timely treatment from your dentist, you can restore your oral health and feel more confident in your smile.
- Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia, characterized by white patches inside the mouth, needs to be monitored by your dentist as it can sometimes be linked to more serious conditions.
- Broken Dental Appliance: A broken dental appliance, like a denture or crown, can cause discomfort and make eating difficult, but your dentist can quickly repair or replace it, restoring your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your independence.
- Tooth Pulp Inflammation: Inflammation in the center of your tooth (the pulp) can lead to significant pain and potentially tooth loss, but prompt dental care with treatments like root canals can often save the tooth and improve your ability to eat comfortably.
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. Rana Tuffaha offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Jaw Reconstruction Surgery: This surgery addresses jawbone issues that can impact eating and speaking, helping seniors maintain their quality of life.
- Dental Laser Procedure: A dental laser can help your dentist diagnose and treat small lesions in the mouth, providing early detection of potential problems.
- Root Planing: As part of your comprehensive dental care, root planing helps manage gum disease by smoothing the tooth roots, allowing your gums to heal and reducing inflammation.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment: This minimally invasive treatment helps your dentist prevent further damage from cavities, ensuring that your mouth remains healthy and comfortable for years to come.
- Upper Dentures: Regular checkups and adjustments of upper dentures are crucial for preventing sores, infections, and ensuring a proper fit, supporting overall oral health.
- Nobel Biocare Implants: Nobel Biocare implants help manage the challenges of missing teeth in seniors, providing a stable and comfortable alternative to dentures or bridges.
- Oral Surgical Procedures: Oral surgical procedures help address complex dental issues, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth or repairing jawbone fractures, improving your overall oral health and comfort.
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. Rana Tuffaha 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 tooth abscess was treated by a dentist, a senior felt a significant reduction in pain and was able to enjoy eating her favorite foods again without discomfort.
- Having trouble with loose teeth made eating a meal a challenge. With the dentist's guidance, the patient regained the ability to enjoy their favorite foods, restoring their confidence and overall well-being.
- With gentle guidance from a dentist, a senior was able to regain her confidence in smiling and chewing her favorite foods, leading to a renewed zest for 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. Rana Tuffaha:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. 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 preventing these systemic health issues.
- 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. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Tuffaha can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 crowns, bridges, or full dentures, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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 a removable option that you take out for cleaning.
- 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 for a more significantly damaged tooth, such as one that has had a root canal or is cracked.
- 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 untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Tuffaha can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums naturally change, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the underside of the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be needed if the existing one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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. Tuffaha can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
194 N Highway 27 Ste F
Clermont FL 34711
Phone: (352) 243-0018
Dr. Rana Tuffaha, 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): 1447569454
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. Rana Tuffaha 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.