Dr. Robert Powless, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Powless understands the unique oral health needs of seniors, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes 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. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Robert Powless, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, affiliated with Tampa General Hospital. He is currently accepting new patients. His practice prioritizes the specific needs of seniors, focusing on comprehensive oral care to maintain their overall health. His understanding of age-related dental concerns, coupled with his commitment to collaborative care, ensures a smooth and supportive experience. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 251-2314. Dr. Powless provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Robert Powless is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Powless is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He meticulously manages age-related oral health concerns like dry mouth and gum disease, while working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible overall well-being. His focus is not just on teeth, but on the connection between oral health and overall senior health, fostering a supportive and reassuring experience for both the patient and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Powless can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
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
- 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. Robert Powless 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:
- Dental Crowding: Dental crowding can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay; your dentist can discuss different ways to relieve this crowding for better oral health and comfort.
- Cleft Palate: Although a cleft palate, a condition where the roof of the mouth doesn't fully close during development, can present challenges, early and ongoing dental intervention can help ensure a person's comfort and well-being.
- Gingivitis: If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, it might be gingivitisa gum infection easily treated with professional cleaning and improved brushing, helping maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
- 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.
- Pericoronitis: Experiencing pain and swelling around a partially erupted wisdom tooth? This could be pericoronitis, a condition your dentist can effectively address to reduce pain and prevent infection.
- Sleep Apnea: A dentist plays a key role in managing sleep apnea because oral appliances, crafted to fit your mouth, can often prevent airway blockage during sleep, restoring more restful nights.
- Oral Lichenoid Lesions: These painless white or reddish patches in your mouth, called oral lichenoid lesions, are often treatable, improving 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. Robert Powless offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Restoration: Through dental restoration, your dentist can improve the function and appearance of your teeth, boosting your confidence and overall well-being.
- Dental Bridge: In your senior care journey, a dental bridge serves as a long-term solution, preventing further jawbone resorption and improving your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy life's flavors.
- Dental Onlay: A dental onlay serves as a significant step in preserving your teeth, especially when dealing with larger areas of decay or damage, providing a long-lasting solution in your senior care journey.
- Arestin Therapy: For seniors with gum disease, Arestin therapy offers a targeted approach to fighting infection, improving gum health and potentially preventing further tooth loss.
- Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: In some cases, laser treatment can help dentists create more durable and aesthetically pleasing fillings, ensuring a better long-term outcome for elderly patients.
- X-Ray: To assess the health of your jawbone before placing dental implants, your dentist may use X-rays to ensure a successful procedure.
- Endodontic Surgery: To avoid tooth extraction, endodontic surgery is a specialized treatment that addresses infections deep within the tooth's root, maintaining a healthy smile and preventing future complications.
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. Robert Powless 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 years of discomfort from dental crowding, a senior was able to enjoy a delicious meal with newfound ease, a smile, and confidence. The improved oral health empowered them to confidently participate in social activities again.
- With regular dental checkups and specialized care, a senior with a cleft palate found that chewing became easier, allowing them to enjoy their favorite foods again without discomfort. This newfound comfort significantly improved their overall quality of life.
- After professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene, a senior woman rediscovered the joy of eating crunchy vegetables, a cherished part of her diet, without the discomfort of bleeding gums.
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. Robert Powless:
- 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, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing these issues and promoting your overall health.
- 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. Powless 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 your routine dental exam. Dr. Powless will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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 and 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, permanent appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing teeth.
- 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. Crowns are used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease if not treated. Dr. Powless 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 sometimes cause dentures to loosen. We can often reline the denture to improve fit, or create a new one if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
1 Davis Blvd Ste 103
Tampa FL 33606
Phone: (813) 251-2314
Dr. Robert Powless, 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): 1841304011
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. Robert Powless 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.