Dr. Steven Slavkin, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Plant City, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. As a trusted partner in senior health, Dr. Slavkin understands the unique dental needs of the 65 years and older population, recognizing that oral health is intricately linked to 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. Slavkin is committed to this collaborative, evidence-based approach to dentistry, working with patients and their families to develop personalized treatment plans that address both immediate and long-term needs. He fosters a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (813) 752-3555 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Steven Slavkin, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Plant City, FL, dedicated to serving the senior community. He prioritizes creating a comfortable and supportive environment for his patients, emphasizing open communication and shared decision-making. While Dr. Slavkin provides consultations primarily in English, he strives to make the experience as positive and informative as possible for all patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Steven Slavkin is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Slavkin is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive care. He recognizes the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, offering expert dental care tailored to the unique needs of aging adults, including the management of age-related dental issues. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and goals, fostering collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes and maintaining their independence and comfort.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Steven Slavkin can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Dental
- Dental PPO
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Principal Financial Group
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Steven Slavkin 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: 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.
- Alveolar Bone Loss: Alveolar bone loss is the gradual loss of the bone that supports your teeth, often a natural part of aging but made worse by gum disease, leading to loose teeth and potentially tooth loss, but treatable with bone grafts or implants to maintain your smile and ability to eat.
- Oral Pharyngeal Disorders: Changes in your ability to swallow or speak might indicate an oral pharyngeal disorder, but with a tailored care plan involving speech therapy, medication, or dietary adjustments, as directed by healthcare professionals, you can regain some ease and confidence.
- Oral Motor Problems: Experiencing trouble with chewing, swallowing, or speaking might indicate oral motor difficulties, and a visit to your dentist can lead to solutions that boost your comfort and confidence.
- Infected Tooth Pulp: Maintaining healthy teeth is key to enjoying your favorite foods. An infected tooth pulp can be treated by your dentist to restore your ability to eat comfortably and maintain your independence.
- Broken Tooth: A broken tooth, unfortunately common as we age, can be repaired by your dentist to restore chewing function and prevent further damage, improving your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Salivary Duct Stones: Salivary duct stones are small, hard deposits that can form in the ducts that carry saliva from your salivary glands to your mouth, sometimes causing pain and swelling.
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 Slavkin offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Imaging: By using dental imaging to evaluate the jawbone, your dentist can ensure the success of dental implants and other tooth replacement options.
- IV Sedation: As part of a complete care plan, IV sedation can make significant dental procedures more manageable for seniors, improving their oral health and overall well-being.
- Gum Graft Surgery: Gum graft surgery helps restore gum tissue lost due to gum disease, improving the health and longevity of your teeth.
- Moderate Sedation: Moderate sedation helps make dental procedures more comfortable for seniors who might experience anxiety or discomfort during treatment.
- Inlay Restoration: Inlay restoration helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to a larger filling, improving the long-term health of your teeth.
- Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): For seniors with gum disease, LANAP provides a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery, potentially minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: By removing plaque and bacteria with ultrasonic technology, this cleaning helps reduce inflammation and improve gum health, a vital aspect of your overall health journey.
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 Slavkin 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 professional cleanings and improved brushing techniques, a senior citizen felt a significant reduction in gum soreness and bleeding, regaining the confidence to enjoy their favorite meal of fresh fruit.
- With improved dental support, a senior couple regained the joy of biting into a juicy apple, a cherished activity now possible without discomfort and worry. Their confidence in eating their favorite foods returned, enriching their daily lives.
- Following a tailored care plan, a senior was able to enjoy conversations with family again, a cherished pastime, after experiencing improved swallowing and speech.
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 Slavkin:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Oral health is closely linked to overall health, including heart 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 and gums, but also your 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's a significant dental concern. Saliva is your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Slavkin can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture base for a better fit, or a new denture can be made if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important 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 provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or even full dentures and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if not treated. Dr. Slavkin can help create a gentle home care routine and provide a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch for a small area of damage, while a crown is a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are needed when the tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is taken out for cleaning.
2005 Thonotosassa Rd
Plant City FL 33563
Phone: (813) 752-3555
Dr. Steven Slavkin, 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): 1790874881
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 Slavkin 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.