Dr. Tamara Martinez, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, at her clinic in Miami, FL. She 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. Martinez is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Tamara Martinez, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University Of Southern California / School Of Dentistry (Usc) in 2006. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in dental care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Martinez's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, focusing on the unique needs of each senior patient. She is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (786) 558-7235 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Martinez provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Tamara Martinez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Tamara Martinez is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She meticulously manages age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, collaborating closely with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. Her focus extends beyond the immediate treatment to encompass the patient's complete health picture, providing reassurance and a supportive environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Tamara Martinez 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
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Maintenance Organization DMO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Managed DentaGuard
- MetLife
- 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. Tamara Martinez 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:
- Edentulism (Toothlessness): Edentulism, or toothlessness, is the complete loss of teeth, which can impact chewing, speaking, and overall confidence, but thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions like dentures or implants to restore function and improve quality of life.
- Mouth Lesions: Maintaining regular dental checkups is crucial for identifying any mouth lesions promptly and managing them effectively, preserving your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease involves inflammation and infection of the gums, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated; however, your dentist can provide treatments to stop its progression and maintain your oral health.
- Lockjaw: If you're struggling to open your mouth due to lockjaw, know that you're not alone. A dentist can help determine the cause and recommend treatment to relieve pain and improve your quality of life.
- Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism): If you experience jaw pain or headaches, you may be grinding your teeth (bruxism), a condition easily diagnosed and treated by your dentist to prevent further damage and improve your sleep and overall well-being.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss, a common concern as we age, can be managed effectively with various replacement options like dentures, bridges, or implants, improving chewing, speaking, and overall confidence.
- Tooth Pulp Inflammation: Experiencing tooth sensitivity or throbbing pain? It might be pulpitis, an inflammation of the tooth's inner pulp, which your dentist can effectively treat to restore comfort and protect your teeth.
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. Tamara Martinez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Teeth Scaling: A professional teeth scaling helps improve the overall health of your gums, leading to better long-term oral health.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, acting as a strong foundation for crowns or dentures, and improving your overall oral health and function in the long term.
- Root Planing: To maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss, root planing is a crucial treatment option that tackles the underlying causes of gum disease, helping you keep your natural teeth longer.
- 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.
- Dental Onlay: As part of your comprehensive dental care plan, an onlay can significantly improve the longevity and functionality of a weakened tooth, helping you maintain your smile.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers offer a way to reshape and improve the appearance of teeth, helping you feel more comfortable and confident in your smile as part of your aging journey.
- Dental Crown: If a filling isn't enough to repair a significantly damaged tooth, a crown provides a durable, long-lasting solution, ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical methods can reverse early gum disease, keeping your teeth strong and your smile healthy for years to come.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: This advanced cleaning method helps your dentist detect early signs of gum disease or tooth decay, allowing for prompt treatment and preserving your teeth for years to come.
- Upper Dentures: For seniors with missing upper teeth, dentures help maintain facial structure and improve self-esteem, playing an essential role in their overall health journey.
- Denture Repair: Denture repair helps restore the proper fit and function of your dentures, improving comfort and chewing ability.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Regular restoration appointments for dental implants help your dentist monitor the health of your jawbone and implants, catching potential problems early.
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. Tamara Martinez 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 the help of a skilled dentist, a senior was able to enjoy a delicious meal with family again, a previously lost pleasure due to tooth loss. The dentures provided a comfortable and secure fit, allowing the senior to eat with ease and confidence.
- Regular dental checkups allowed a senior to promptly address mouth lesions, enabling them to enjoy their favorite foods and conversations with family without discomfort.
- After professional guidance from a general dentist, a senior felt a significant reduction in gum inflammation and pain, allowing them to once again confidently enjoy their favorite foods without discomfort.
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. Tamara Martinez:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Martinez'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 of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential not just for healthy teeth, but for maintaining 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's 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. Martinez 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.
- 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 vulnerable. Dr. Martinez can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Martinez understands that dentures can loosen over time as the jawbone and gums change shape. 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 crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Martinez will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for any lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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 periodontitis if left untreated. Dr. Martinez can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- 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 to protect and strengthen it when the damage is more extensive, such as after a root canal or a crack.
13055 SW 42nd St Ste 203
Miami FL 33175
Phone: (786) 558-7235
Dr. Tamara Martinez, 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): 1881727717
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. Tamara Martinez 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.