Dr. Russell Kotch, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at our Pembroke Pines, 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). Dr. Kotch understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes 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. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, and his approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Kotch is a dentistry practitioner in Pembroke Pines, FL, and is accepting new patients. His focus on senior dental care is deeply rooted in his commitment to providing high-quality, personalized service tailored to the specific needs of his patient population. He understands the importance of preventative care and proactive management of dental conditions, aiming to maintain optimal oral health and contribute to the overall well-being of his patients. Dr. Kotch is committed to providing exceptional patient care and is fluent in Spanish, offering consultations in this language. Please call (954) 437-4443 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Russell Kotch is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kotch is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, addressing not only oral health concerns like dry mouth and gum disease but also the crucial link between oral and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic, personalized plan for optimal comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Russell Kotch can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Dental
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Russell Kotch 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:
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are misaligned, it may make it harder to clean them thoroughly, increasing your risk of gum disease. Your dentist can help improve your oral health and make cleaning easier.
- Tooth Decay: As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to decay, but with prompt treatment from your dentist, such as fillings or crowns, you can preserve your natural teeth and continue to eat and smile with confidence.
- Oral Infection: Oral infections, such as gum disease or an infected tooth, can impact your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy your meals, but prompt dental care can help resolve the issue.
- Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a serious but treatable cancer affecting the mouth's lining; early detection through regular dental checkups greatly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
- Jaw Cyst: Sometimes, harmless fluid-filled pockets form in the jaw; your dentist can help manage these jaw cysts to ensure your comfort and oral health.
- Herpes Stomatitis: Managing herpes stomatitis involves working closely with your dentist to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and maintain good oral health despite this condition.
- Lockjaw: Lockjaw, or trismus, is a condition causing difficulty opening your mouth, often due to injury or infection, and treatment focuses on managing pain and improving jaw mobility for easier eating and daily tasks.
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. Russell Kotch offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Comprehensive Dental Exam: This thorough check-up allows your dentist to assess the overall health of your mouth, gums, and teeth, helping create a personalized plan for maintaining your smile.
- Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: Laser dentistry can precisely prepare cavities for fillings, minimizing discomfort and preserving more healthy tooth structure for seniors.
- Preventive Dental Care: Preventive dental care helps identify and address potential oral health problems early, preventing more serious and costly issues down the line.
- Endodontic Retreatment: Endodontic retreatment helps diagnose and manage complications from previous root canal treatments, helping seniors keep their own teeth longer and preventing further dental problems.
- Endodontic Surgery: As part of your complete dental care plan, endodontic surgery can address severe tooth pain and infection, preserving your natural teeth and improving your overall oral health.
- Removable Denture: Regular denture check-ups help maintain oral health and identify any underlying issues like gum irritation or bone loss, contributing to a holistic care plan.
- Endodontic Treatment: Endodontic treatment is a vital part of maintaining your overall oral health, as it addresses severe infection within the tooth, preventing the spread of bacteria and potential health 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. Russell Kotch 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 struggling with misaligned teeth, a senior felt a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and ease in their daily oral hygiene routine. This improved oral health allowed them to enjoy their favorite foods with greater comfort and enjoyment.
- Concerned about increasing tooth decay, a senior felt less self-conscious about smiling and enjoyed their favorite foods more after receiving prompt dental care.
- With the oral infection successfully treated, a senior citizen was able to once again enjoy her favorite foods and smile with confidence. Her family was relieved that her discomfort was finally resolved.
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. Russell Kotch:
- 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 and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care isn't just about your teeth; it's an essential part of maintaining your 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. Kotch 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 keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. We can reline the existing denture to create a snugger fit, or create a new denture if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial 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 offer a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or even full dentures, preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Kotch can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 the enamel. Dr. Kotch can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
- 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 significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
1 SW 129th Ave Ste 302
Pembroke Pines FL 33027
Phone: (954) 437-4443
Dr. Russell Kotch, 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): 1285086009
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. Russell Kotch 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.