Dr. Stevy Raju, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Lakeland, FL, and is committed to partnering with seniors in maintaining their oral health. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, Dr. Raju understands the unique dental needs of patients 65 years and older, ensuring their care aligns with best practices for this population.
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. Raju's approach is firmly rooted in evidence-based medicine, and he strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (863) 644-4739 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Stevy Raju, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lakeland, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Raju's practice is focused on providing high-quality care for seniors, addressing their specific needs with empathy and expertise. While his consultations are primarily in English, he remains dedicated to fostering a supportive and informative experience for all patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Stevy Raju is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stevy Raju is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, offering not only exceptional dental care, addressing issues like dry mouth and gum disease, but also collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible overall well-being. His approach prioritizes the individual needs and goals of each patient, creating a supportive environment for optimal oral and systemic health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stevy Raju can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- 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
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- SimplyBlue
- 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. Stevy Raju 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:
- Mouth Ulcer: Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, are small, painful sores that can make eating and talking difficult; your dentist can recommend treatments to ease discomfort and promote healing.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: A persistent bad taste in your mouth can be bothersome, but your dentist can help identify the cause, whether it's poor oral hygiene, a medical condition, or even certain medications, and recommend ways to improve it.
- Dental Spacing: Over time, teeth may shift or become more widely spaced, potentially leading to difficulty eating or affecting your self-esteem; a visit to your dentist can determine if any treatment is needed to improve your chewing and appearance.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Traumatic dental injuries, like chipped or knocked-out teeth, are common accidents, but prompt dental care can restore your smile and prevent further complications, ensuring you can eat comfortably and maintain your confidence.
- Impacted Teeth: An impacted tooth is a tooth that's stuck and can't break through the gum line, sometimes causing pain or infection, which your dentist can address through extraction or other appropriate treatments to improve your comfort.
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums are bleeding, it's important to see your dentist promptly. Early treatment of gum disease can prevent more serious problems and maintain your independence.
- Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a serious gum infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and impact your overall health, but with regular dental checkups and professional cleaning, it can be effectively managed.
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. Stevy Raju offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Denture Impression: This initial step involves a denture impression to accurately capture the shape of your mouth, leading to dentures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: As part of your overall dental care plan, a ceramic crown can protect a weakened tooth from further damage and decay, extending the life of your natural tooth.
- Lower Dentures: A well-fitting set of lower dentures is part of a comprehensive dental care plan, helping maintain oral health and overall well-being.
- Prophy Jet Air Polishing: As part of your comprehensive dental checkup, Prophy Jet air polishing helps your dentist detect early signs of gum disease or tooth decay.
- Composite Fillings: A comprehensive approach to senior dental care often includes composite fillings as a way to preserve natural teeth and maintain oral health for years to come.
- Dental Onlay: A dental onlay serves as a significant step in preserving your teeth, especially when dealing with larger areas of decay or damage, providing a long-lasting solution in your senior care journey.
- Arestin Therapy: Arestin helps your dentist manage gum disease more effectively by delivering an antibiotic directly to the affected area, a valuable addition to your regular dental care.
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. Stevy Raju 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:
- A senior citizen, experiencing frequent mouth ulcers, found significant relief with the dentist's guidance, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals and conversations again without discomfort.
- A senior woman, previously bothered by a persistent bad taste in her mouth, found relief after a consultation with a dentist. Improved oral hygiene and a tailored treatment plan allowed her to enjoy her favorite foods and social gatherings again.
- A senior citizen, previously self-conscious about their widening dental spacing, enjoyed a renewed sense of confidence after a simple dental procedure, enabling them to confidently eat their favorite foods again.
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. Stevy Raju:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Stevy Raju's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also 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 a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Stevy Raju can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the underside of the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth as well. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Stevy Raju performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine dental exam. This involves visually inspecting your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feeling your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
- 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 if left untreated. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Stevy Raju 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 enamel, making teeth more sensitive. Dr. Stevy Raju can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
225 Imperial Blvd
Lakeland FL 33803
Phone: (863) 644-4739
Dr. Stevy Raju, 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): 1891163143
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. Stevy Raju 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.