Dr. Stephen Perez, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Clearwater, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring his patients receive the highest quality of care. Dr. Perez understands the unique dental needs of seniors, recognizing that oral health significantly impacts overall well-being.
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. Perez is committed to this collaborative approach, using evidence-based medicine to tailor care to each patient's specific needs. He serves patients 65 years and older, aiming to create a supportive environment where they and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (727) 797-8444 to confirm if Dr. Perez is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Stephen Perez, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Clearwater, FL, who prioritizes the comfort and well-being of his patients. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and families feel heard and empowered. While Dr. Perez's practice primarily serves those 65 years and older, he is committed to using the most up-to-date evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality care. Dr. Stephen Perez provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Stephen Perez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stephen Perez is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He expertly manages age-related oral health concerns like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates seamlessly with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for both seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephen Perez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Guardian
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephen Perez 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:
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? Don't suffer in silence; a prompt visit to your dentist can identify the cause whether it's a cavity, gum disease, or something else and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition where a white patch forms on the side of your tongue. It's often associated with a viral infection and typically doesn't require specific treatment but should be monitored by your dentist.
- Broken Dental Appliance: If a crown, bridge, or denture breaks, it can affect your chewing and speech. Your dentist can repair or replace the appliance, improving your quality of life and making daily activities easier.
- Teething: The term 'teething' can also describe the minor discomfort some older adults experience after receiving new dental implants or dentures; a dentist's assessment and adjustments will ensure comfort and functionality.
- Mouth Conditions: Addressing mouth conditions, whether it's preventing gum disease, fixing a chipped tooth, or getting fitted for dentures, is about more than just aesthetics; it's about ensuring you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence and comfort.
- Hypodontia: Having fewer teeth than normal (hypodontia) doesn't mean you can't enjoy a great smile and easy eating. Your dentist can guide you toward effective solutions to fill those gaps and improve your quality of life.
- Oral Infection: An oral infection is a bacterial or fungal infection in your mouth, often causing pain, swelling, and discomfort that can be effectively treated by your dentist.
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. Stephen Perez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Restorative Procedure: Restorative dentistry helps restore the structure and function of your teeth, improving your overall oral health and self-confidence.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical methods can reverse early gum disease, keeping your teeth strong and your smile healthy for years to come.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: In the context of your overall health management, an implant-supported bridge is a long-term solution to tooth loss, maintaining facial structure and ensuring a comfortable and functional bite.
- Nitrous Oxide Administration: This mild sedation helps seniors tolerate longer dental appointments, enabling dentists to address multiple issues in a single visit and improve overall oral health.
- Dental Examination: Regular dental examinations are essential for managing gum disease and other oral health issues, ensuring your smile stays healthy and functional.
- Extraction of Wisdom Tooth: Removing a wisdom tooth prevents potential future dental issues like crowding, damage to adjacent teeth, or cysts, contributing to a proactive dental care plan.
- Replacing Missing Teeth: Replacing missing teeth improves chewing ability and overall nutritional intake, contributing to better health in seniors.
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. Stephen Perez 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 experiencing debilitating tooth pain, a senior was able to enjoy a delicious meal with her family without the constant discomfort, regaining her ability to eat and socialize.
- A senior citizen, previously concerned about a white patch on their tongue, felt more comfortable eating and smiling after a gentle examination and reassurance from their dentist. Their family appreciated the peace of mind knowing the condition was being monitored.
- After a broken denture was repaired, a senior citizen regained the ability to enjoy their favorite foods and confidently smile with renewed comfort.
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. Stephen Perez:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Perez's practice emphasizes the vital connection between oral and overall 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 therefore crucial for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also 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 can significantly increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is your body's natural defense, so Dr. Perez 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 properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Perez's practice understands that changes in the jawbone and gums over time can affect the fit of dentures. A relining procedure can reshape the denture's underside for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the current one is significantly worn. 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 like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are needed when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, to provide extra strength and protection.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent, fixed replacement for missing teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto existing teeth.
- 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. Dr. Perez can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
1700 N McMullen Booth Rd Ste A1
Clearwater FL 33759
Phone: (727) 797-8444
Dr. Stephen Perez, 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): 1821196718
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. Stephen Perez 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.