Dr. Tracie Starling, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at her clinic in Keystone Heights, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she brings over 30 years of experience in dental care to her patients. 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. Starling is committed to fostering a supportive and trusting relationship with her patients, recognizing the unique needs of seniors and ensuring their comfort and safety. She is currently welcoming new patients; please call (352) 473-9090 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Starling's dedication to senior care stems from her extensive career, beginning with her graduation from the University of Florida, College of Dentistry in 1994. She has practiced in the Keystone Heights, FL area since 2003, building a strong reputation for providing quality dental care in a calming, home-like environment. Her deep understanding of the needs of older adults is rooted in her extensive experience and commitment to continuing education. She is a member of professional organizations such as the American Dental Association, Alachua County Dental Association, and the Northeast District Dental Association. Her office is a valued member of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce, actively supporting local schools and community events. Dr. Starling's care philosophy, as articulated by Starling Family Dentistry, emphasizes the well-being of her patients, aiming to provide expert dental work alongside a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable and relaxed. Consultations are primarily conducted in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Tracie Starling is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Tracie Starling is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Dr. Starling collaborates seamlessly with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach, maximizing comfort and promoting the best possible quality of life for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Tracie Starling can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete 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
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Tracie Starling 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:
- Broken Tooth: A broken tooth doesn't have to mean the end of comfortable eating. Your dentist can offer various solutions, from a simple repair to a more substantial restoration, depending on the severity of the break, ensuring you can continue enjoying meals.
- Cavity: A cavity, or dental caries, is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay that can be repaired with a filling to prevent further damage and discomfort.
- Chipped Tooth: A small chip in your tooth might seem minor, but addressing it promptly helps prevent infection, discomfort, and potential problems down the line, ensuring you maintain your independence.
- 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.
- Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can impact your confidence and ability to eat properly, but a dentist can assess the situation, explore treatment options like crowns or implants, and restore your smile and quality of life.
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess in your tooth is a serious infection that causes a pocket of pus to form, and it needs attention from your dentist to avoid spreading and causing more discomfort.
- Tooth Damage: Addressing tooth damage promptly helps maintain your overall oral health, reducing the risk of infections and improving your confidence in smiling and speaking.
- Tooth Decay: As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to decay, but with prompt treatment from your dentist, such as fillings or crowns, you can preserve your natural teeth and continue to eat and smile with confidence.
- Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization, a natural process that accelerates with age, weakens your teeth; your dentist can help manage this through regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dietary advice, helping you maintain good oral health and confidence.
- Tooth Discoloration: Don't let stained or discolored teeth affect your confidence. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like whitening or cosmetic bonding to improve the look of your smile, making you feel better about your appearance.
- Tooth Loss: Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and quality of life, but advancements in dental technology provide safe and effective solutions to replace them and improve your oral health and overall well-being.
- Toothache: A toothache, that persistent pain in your tooth, is often caused by decay, infection, or injury and can be relieved with a visit to your dentist who will provide the necessary treatment, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
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. Tracie Starling offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Composite Fillings: During a routine checkup, your dentist may recommend composite fillings to address minor cavities and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that repairs chipped or cracked teeth, improving your smile's appearance and confidence.
- Dental Bridge: In your senior care journey, a dental bridge serves as a long-term solution, preventing further jawbone resorption and improving your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy life's flavors.
- 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.
- Denture Repair: Addressing denture problems promptly through repair helps avoid more extensive or costly procedures down the line.
- Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are a practical solution to replace missing teeth and help maintain a confident smile and improved self-esteem in later life.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoring dental implants ensures your artificial teeth remain secure, comfortable, and functional, supporting your ability to eat and speak well.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions help remove problematic teeth that may be causing pain, infection, or impacting the health of surrounding teeth, thus improving overall oral health.
- Teeth Scaling: As part of a comprehensive oral health plan, teeth scaling contributes to managing gum inflammation and preventing tooth loss.
- 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.
- Upper Dentures: As part of a comprehensive dental plan, upper dentures help restore a senior's smile and confidence, improving their quality of life.
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. Tracie Starling 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:
- Grandma enjoyed her favorite applesauce again after a broken tooth was expertly repaired, allowing her to confidently eat without pain or discomfort. Her family was relieved that she could continue to enjoy her meals with ease.
- A senior woman, previously anxious about eating crunchy foods due to a painful cavity, regained her enjoyment of fresh vegetables and apples with a simple filling. Her family was relieved that she could now eat a more varied and nutritious diet.
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to smile due to a chipped tooth, regained confidence and enjoyed her favorite social gatherings more, now able to confidently share laughter with friends.
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. Tracie Starling:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Starling'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 and gums, but also your 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 can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because saliva is the body's natural defense. Dr. Starling 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or even full dentures and preventing slipping. This can be a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Starling's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. She visually inspects the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat, and gently feels the jaw and neck for any unusual signs. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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, providing strength and protection for a tooth that's more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent restoration cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth.
- 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 a non-abrasive denture cleaner daily, cleaning all surfaces. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Starling can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
310 SE Palmetto Ave
Keystone Heights FL 32656
Phone: (352) 473-9090
Dr. Tracie Starling, 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): 1114018397
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. Tracie Starling 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.