Dr. Sonia Simmonds, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Orlando, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the unique needs of her patients, ages 65 and older. Dr. Simmonds recognizes that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of older adults, providing crucial 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. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Sonia Simmonds, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Orlando, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Howard University in 1999 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Simmonds is a strong advocate for collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. She is currently accepting new patients and welcomes the opportunity to partner with you on your journey to optimal oral health. For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 253-3787. Dr. Simmonds also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Sonia Simmonds is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Sonia Simmonds is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. She meticulously addresses the unique oral health needs of older adults, including the management of age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and overall well-being, Dr. Simmonds collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic and personalized approach to each patient's care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Sonia Simmonds 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
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- 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. Sonia Simmonds 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:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where your gums become inflamed and may bleed easily, often manageable with improved brushing and flossing techniques.
- Bleeding Gums: Notice bleeding gums? Don't worry, it's often treatable. Your dentist can identify the cause, perhaps gingivitis, and recommend simple solutions to protect your gums and overall health.
- Infected Tooth Pulp: Experiencing intense tooth pain? An infected tooth pulp might be the cause, and your dentist can provide effective treatment to eliminate the infection and restore your comfort.
- Temporomandibular Joint Pain: Experiencing jaw pain? It might be TMJ, a condition your dentist can help manage through various treatments, improving your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your social connections.
- Canker Sore: Managing canker sore discomfort can help maintain your independence and quality of life, and your dentist can help you find effective ways to deal with these painful sores.
- 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.
- Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, a common mishap, can be easily repaired by your dentist, restoring both your smile's appearance and your confidence in chewing 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. Sonia Simmonds offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Teeth Scaling: Scaling your teeth removes hard deposits that irritate gums, a crucial step in keeping your smile bright and healthy.
- Denture Repair: Addressing denture problems promptly through repair helps avoid more extensive or costly procedures down the line.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Regular non-surgical gum treatments help detect gum problems early, allowing for less invasive and more effective solutions.
- Upper Dentures: As part of a comprehensive dental plan, upper dentures help restore a senior's smile and confidence, improving their quality of life.
- Intraoral Camera: During your check-up, the intraoral camera assists your dentist in providing a thorough oral cancer screening, helping catch any potential problems early.
- Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line, supporting your gums' health and preventing further gum disease.
- Digital X-Ray (CDR): These advanced X-rays help your dentist accurately diagnose problems like impacted teeth or cysts that might not be visible during a regular examination.
- Single Visit Root Canals: This procedure helps save a severely damaged tooth, preventing the need for extraction and maintaining your natural smile and healthy chewing function.
- Porcelain Veneers: As a step in enhancing your smile and confidence, porcelain veneers can mask discoloration, chips, or gaps in your teeth, contributing to your overall well-being.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can brighten your smile and boost your confidence, enhancing your overall well-being as part of a comprehensive dental care plan.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: This procedure addresses any damage or issues with your existing dental implants, helping maintain their long-term health and preventing further problems.
- Dental Inlays: A dental inlay is a strong, tooth-colored restoration that helps your dentist manage moderate tooth decay and maintain a beautiful smile.
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. Sonia Simmonds 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:
- With improved brushing and flossing techniques, guided by a general dentist, a senior woman regained the confidence to enjoy her favorite foods without the discomfort of bleeding gums.
- A senior citizen, experiencing discomfort from bleeding gums, found relief after a consultation with a dentist. Simple treatments enabled them to enjoy their favorite foods without the worry of persistent bleeding.
- A senior woman, previously plagued by intense tooth pain, found significant relief after a visit to a dentist. She could finally enjoy a comforting cup of tea without the agonizing discomfort, regaining her peace of mind and ability to savor everyday moments.
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. Sonia Simmonds:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene, including regular dental checkups, 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. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential for your overall 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. Simmonds can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Simmonds 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, which lacks the protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Simmonds can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Simmonds performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. She visually inspects the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat, and gently feels the jaw and neck for any unusual signs. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth as well. Soak your dentures overnight in denture solution or water.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Simmonds can reline the existing denture to improve the fit, or create a new one if needed. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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, providing strength and protection when the tooth is more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
1601 Park Center Dr Ste 1
Orlando FL 32835
Phone: (407) 253-3787
Dr. Sonia Simmonds, 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): 1770768582
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. Sonia Simmonds 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.