Dr. Tristan Hensley, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Lutz, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Hensley is committed to serving the unique needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing the vital role general dentists play in their overall health. He understands that oral health is inextricably linked to overall well-being, and he excels at managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, while working collaboratively with other healthcare providers to achieve optimal oral and overall health for his 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. Hensley, who completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, is committed to this philosophy. He is currently welcoming new patients. His mission is to build long-term relationships with his patients and provide them with exceptional dental care, education, and compassion, striving to create healthy, stable smiles. "A healthy smile translates to a healthy life," he believes, and his approach reflects this. Dr. Hensley is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, and he seeks out advanced training opportunities to provide his patients with the most up-to-date services. He can be reached at (813) 949-0424 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Hensley provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Tristan Hensley is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hensley is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, focusing not only on excellent dental healthmanaging issues like dry mouth and gum diseasebut also on coordinating care with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to well-being. His commitment is to create a supportive environment that prioritizes the comfort and independence of each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Tristan Hensley 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
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Tristan Hensley 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:
- Swollen Gums: Swollen or inflamed gums can make chewing and speaking more difficult, but a visit to your dentist can lead to effective treatment and restore comfort and confidence in your smile.
- Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, a common mishap, can be easily repaired by your dentist, restoring both your smile's appearance and your confidence in chewing comfortably.
- Toothache: A toothache can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to enjoy meals and even sleep. Your dentist is the best resource for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause, helping you regain comfort and confidence.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth, a common issue as we age, cause sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods, but your dentist can help manage this discomfort with treatments like fluoride applications or desensitizing toothpaste.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: That clicking sound when you open or close your mouth might indicate a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a condition easily addressed by your dentist through personalized treatment plans to minimize discomfort and maintain your independence.
- 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.
- Plaque: If not removed, plaque can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, potentially causing discomfort, pain, and even tooth loss, so keeping it under control is essential for maintaining your smile and overall wellbeing.
- Tooth Damage: Damaged teeth can cause pain and make chewing difficult, but with appropriate dental treatment, like fillings or crowns, you can restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- 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 Injury: A dental injury, such as a chipped tooth or broken denture, can be painful and affect your ability to eat comfortably, but your dentist can repair or replace the damaged tooth or denture, restoring your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Canker Sore: While usually not serious, canker sores can cause significant discomfort, making eating and talking difficult; your dentist can offer advice to help manage your pain and prevent future occurrences.
- Tooth Loss: While tooth loss is a natural part of aging for some, it's often preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, and there are many ways to replace missing teeth to maintain your independence.
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. Tristan Hensley offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess Incision and Drainage: Abscess incision and drainage is a procedure to release pus from an infected tooth, relieving pain and preventing further complications for seniors.
- 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: Preventative dental cleanings help maintain a healthy mouth, enabling you to enjoy eating and smiling comfortably, enhancing your quality of life.
- 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.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services are key to maintaining your dentures or other dental replacements, ensuring comfort and proper function for many years to come.
- Dental Implant: If you're dealing with missing teeth, dental implants can be incorporated into your comprehensive dental care plan to restore your smile, improve your bite, and prevent further oral health problems.
- Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital part of preserving your natural teeth, preventing the need for more extensive procedures like extractions.
- 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.
- Teeth Whitening: Incorporating teeth whitening into your dental care can help you maintain a beautiful smile throughout your senior years.
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. Tristan Hensley 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 struggling with painful, swollen gums, a senior was thrilled to rediscover the joy of eating her favorite fruits and vegetables, a vital part of her daily diet.
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to smile due to a chipped tooth, regained her confidence after a simple dental repair. She could now enjoy her favorite social gatherings without self-consciousness, feeling more comfortable and secure in her interactions with others.
- With a toothache finally resolved, a senior couple could once again enjoy their favorite dinners together, savoring the flavors of their home-cooked meals without discomfort.
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. Tristan Hensley:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is crucial for 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 preventing these systemic health issues.
- 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 your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Hensley can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 lacking enamel protection. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Hensley can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other problems like cavities or cracked teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Hensley can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 for more extensive damage, like cracks or after a root canal, to provide strength and protection.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 a crown, bridge, or even a full denture, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent fixture cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge fills the gap with a false tooth, permanently bridging the space. A partial denture replaces missing teeth with removable pieces that clip onto existing teeth.
1928 Highland Oaks Blvd
Lutz FL 33559
Phone: (813) 949-0424
Dr. Tristan Hensley, 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): 1265840342
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. Tristan Hensley 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.