Dr. Steven Hook, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at our Melbourne, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults 65 years and older. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Hook's extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to evidence-based medicine, creates a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Our office offers extractions for dentures only, at a price you can smile about! Each set is custom made promptly and accurately for your comfort and needs. Dr. Hook has over 30 years of experience making, fitting, and repairing dentures and partials at our in-house lab. He personally listens to his patients during their treatment and performs and supervises the procedures necessary for their satisfaction. Dr. Hook completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, followed by residency training in General Dentists at Ohio State College Of Dentistry, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of 65 years and older. He further specialized in his field through fellowship training in the Academy Of General Dentistry. Dr. Steven Hook provides consultations primarily in English. He is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (321) 752-5130 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Steven Hook is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hook is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating closely with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible overall well-being. His approach prioritizes personalized care, fostering a trusting relationship with both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Steven Hook can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Steven Hook 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: Inflamed and irritated gums, known as gingivitis, can be addressed through better oral care habits and professional cleaning by your dentist to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
- Crossbite: If your teeth don't meet properly, causing one or more upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth, it's called a crossbite; your dentist can help improve this with treatment options for easier chewing and a more confident smile.
- Malocclusion (Bad Bite): A bad bite, known as malocclusion, can lead to jaw pain, headaches, or uneven wear on your teeth, but your dentist can assess your specific needs and recommend solutions to improve your bite and alleviate these issues.
- Thrush: Thrush, a common mouth infection caused by yeast, can be treated with antifungal medications prescribed by your dentist, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
- Tongue Conditions: Regular dental checkups are crucial for detecting potential tongue issues early, enabling timely treatment and preventing more significant complications impacting your ability to eat and communicate.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Steven Hook offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Examination: A dental examination allows your dentist to evaluate your teeth, gums, and overall oral health, helping ensure a comfortable and enjoyable eating and speaking experience.
- Denture Consultation: This consultation is a crucial step in creating a personalized plan for your denture care, covering adjustments, repairs, or even exploring newer denture options to improve your quality of life.
- Denture Repair: Regular denture repair is a key part of maintaining oral health and preventing further damage to your gums and jawbone.
- Removable Denture: For seniors with missing teeth, removable dentures offer a reliable way to restore function and improve their quality of life by aiding in proper nutrition and self-esteem.
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPD): For seniors facing partial tooth loss, removable partial dentures offer a comfortable and convenient way to restore function and aesthetics, enhancing their self-esteem.
- Teeth Extraction: Extraction may be necessary to manage severe gum disease or a tooth that's causing chronic pain or discomfort, improving a senior's quality of life.
- DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detection: DIAGNOdent improves early detection of cavities, supporting the development of a comprehensive oral health management plan tailored to your age and health status.
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. Steven Hook 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 oral care habits and professional cleanings, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of eating their favorite foods without the discomfort of inflamed gums.
- With improved alignment of her teeth, a senior woman felt more confident smiling and chewing her favorite foods, restoring a vital part of her daily enjoyment.
- With a custom-fitted mouthguard, a senior woman experienced a marked reduction in jaw pain and headaches, enabling her to once again enjoy the satisfying crunch of her favorite apples.
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. Steven Hook:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Oral health is critically linked to 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 essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also overall health and 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 dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Hook 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 a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Hook will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, causing dentures to loosen. Our dentists can reline the denture to create a more comfortable fit, or create a new denture if needed. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap, filling the space. A partial denture clips onto existing teeth, replacing missing ones.
- 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, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Hook can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to resolve this.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
1751 Sarno Rd Ste 6
Melbourne FL 32935
Phone: (321) 752-5130
Dr. Steven Hook, 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): 1811191992
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. Steven Hook 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.