Dr. Tessa Scott, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at her clinic in Miami Gardens, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Scott understands the unique oral health needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes 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. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. New patients are welcome; please call (305) 624-1371 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Scott offers consultations in Spanish.
Dr. Scott's journey to becoming a dental professional began in Cincinnati, where she was drawn to the medical field. A University of Cincinnati alumnus, she initially studied Chemical Technology and worked in R&D with Crest products for Proctor & Gamble. After relocating to South Florida, she pursued her passion for dentistry at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, earning her DMD in 2001 and completing her AEGD residency in 2002. Her career has been marked by a commitment to her patients, built on strong relationships with her team at the North Dade GEDC office. In her spare time, Dr. Scott enjoys spending time with her family, singing, and playing the ukulele, reflecting her diverse interests and commitment to holistic well-being. She firmly believes that compassionate, comprehensive care is paramount in the senior dental experience.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Tessa Scott is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Tessa Scott is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive care. She understands that oral health is integral to overall well-being, offering expert general dentistry that addresses age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease. Dr. Scott collaborates seamlessly with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach, creating a personalized plan that prioritizes comfort, independence, and the best possible quality of life for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Tessa Scott can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Dental
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Coventry Health Care
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Maintenance Organization DMO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Managed DentaGuard
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- 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
- Wellpath Preferred PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Tessa Scott 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:
- Chipped Tooth: Chipped teeth, especially if sharp edges are present, can cause irritation and discomfort while eating. Your dentist can smooth and repair the chip, making meals more enjoyable again.
- Tooth Discoloration: As we age, teeth can naturally darken; however, discoloration can also be a sign of other issues. Your dentist can help determine the cause and recommend the best treatment option for a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Tooth Damage: Tooth damage, such as chips, cracks, or cavities, can be repaired by your dentist to prevent further problems and help you eat comfortably.
- 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.
- Swollen Gums: Don't let swollen gums affect your enjoyment of food and life; early detection and treatment by a dentist can often resolve the issue quickly and prevent further complications.
- Tender Gums: If your gums are tender to the touch, don't delay scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Early detection and management can prevent more serious dental problems.
- Receding Gums: Receding gums can make eating and smiling less comfortable, but with regular dental check-ups and possibly some simple procedures, you can protect your teeth and maintain your smile.
- Plaque: Maintaining good oral hygiene by removing plaque daily is crucial for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, which can impact your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy your favorite foods.
- Loose Teeth: Having loose teeth can be unsettling, but your dentist can diagnose the underlying issue and offer various treatments, such as splinting or replacement, to improve your oral health and well-being.
- Tooth Abscess: If you have a throbbing toothache and swelling, it could be a tooth abscess, a condition that a dentist can address with treatments like antibiotics and potentially a root canal to save your tooth or an extraction if necessary.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, don't worry your dentist can help you explore different replacement options like dentures or implants, helping to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Cavity: Cavities develop when bacteria break down tooth enamel, causing a small hole that can lead to toothache and potential infection if left untreated; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment keep your smile healthy.
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. Tessa Scott offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage assists in diagnosing the extent of a dental infection and guides the dentist in the appropriate course of treatment for better senior care.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings, a type of tooth-colored filling, are a long-lasting solution to repair cavities and protect your teeth, helping maintain your overall oral health as you age.
- Dental Cleaning: Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- Dental Crown: As part of your ongoing dental care, a crown can effectively restore a tooth's function and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Regular dental hygiene appointments help detect oral health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and improving the overall success of your senior care plan.
- Dental Implant: As a crucial part of your overall dental health plan, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, helping to prevent jawbone deterioration and maintain facial structure.
- Root Canal: By removing infected tissue inside the tooth and carefully sealing the area, a root canal can resolve pain and save a tooth from requiring extraction.
- Teeth Extraction: Tooth extraction is the removal of a severely damaged or infected tooth, helping to prevent further oral health problems and improve overall comfort.
- Teeth Whitening: While not always medically necessary, teeth whitening can be a valuable cosmetic procedure to enhance your self-esteem and overall oral health strategy.
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. Tessa Scott 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 woman enjoyed her favorite crunchy vegetables again after a chipped tooth was smoothed and repaired, eliminating the discomfort it had caused during meals. Her family was delighted to see her smile and renewed appetite.
- After addressing tooth discoloration, a senior felt more confident smiling at family gatherings, rekindling cherished memories and strengthening connections.
- After years of discomfort from chipped teeth, a senior was able to enjoy a delicious meal with her family again, smiling confidently. The dentist's care restored her ability to eat comfortably and enjoy social gatherings.
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. Tessa Scott:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Scott's practice emphasizes the critical link 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 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 dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Scott can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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. Dr. Scott can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- 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're a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or 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, yet vital part of your routine dental exam. Dr. Scott 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.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner daily, cleaning all surfaces. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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. Scott can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other potential causes like cavities or cracked teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Scott can reline your existing dentures for a more comfortable fit, or create a new set if necessary. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
17301 NW 27th Ave
Miami Gardens FL 33056
Phone: (305) 624-1371
Dr. Tessa Scott, 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): 1396821948
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. Tessa Scott 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.