Dr. Wisdom Akpaka, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at Orangetree Dental Care in Naples, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Akpaka understands the unique dental 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. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (239) 935-8057 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Akpaka completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program at New York University College of Dentistry. His extensive experience encompasses a wide range of dental procedures, including endodontics, implant restorations, crown and bridge work, surgical extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement. He is certified in Invisalign orthodontics and possesses expertise in cosmetic bonding, crown placement, and complete denture restorations. Dr. Akpaka's commitment to advanced training is evident in his fellowship training in International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI), further solidifying his expertise in this specialized area of patient care. He earned his medical degree from NYU College of Dentistry and has a proven commitment to patient-centered care, prioritizing individual needs and financial considerations in treatment planning. Dr. Wisdom Akpaka is fluent in Hebrew and offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Wisdom Akpaka is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Akpaka is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He meticulously addresses age-related oral health issues like dry mouth and gum disease, while proactively collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to overall well-being. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's individual goals and preferences, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for a positive and comfortable experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Wisdom Akpaka can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Ameritas
Assurant Health
CompBenefits Corp.
Coventry Health Care
Dental
Dental Network of America
Dominion Insurance
Guardian
Humana
Principal Financial Group
United Concordia
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueDental Choice PPO
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Delta Dental of Washington
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Maintenance Organization DMO
- Dental Network DHMO
- Dental Network DPPO
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- DenteMax
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Emblem Health
- EmblemHealth
- Focus Dental Network DPPO
- GRID - TN
- GRIDPlus - TN
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Humana PPO
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- MetLife PPO
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Wellpath Preferred PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Wisdom Akpaka 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: Dealing with swollen gums? It's important to address this promptly as it could indicate infection or gum disease, both treatable and preventable with proper care from your dentist.
- Dental Injury: Even minor dental injuries, like a knocked-out filling, need attention to prevent further damage and potential infection; your dentist can quickly and effectively address the issue, ensuring your comfort and oral health.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: If your jaw clicks or pops, it's important to see your dentist. TMJ issues can often be treated conservatively with simple changes, helping you maintain a good quality of life as you age.
- Gum Disease: Experiencing bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath could be signs of gum disease; seeking prompt professional care from your dentist allows for early intervention and preservation of your teeth.
- Sensitive Teeth: If you have sensitive teeth, even everyday activities like brushing and flossing can be painful. Fortunately, your dentist can offer a variety of simple solutions to alleviate this discomfort and get you back to enjoying 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 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.
- 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.
- Loose Teeth: Experiencing loose teeth is common as we age, but with proper dental care, including potential stabilization or replacement, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods and maintaining a healthy smile.
- 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.
- Chipped Tooth: Don't let a chipped tooth cause you pain or affect your ability to eat; a simple dental visit can often fix it with a filling, veneer, or crown, improving your quality of life.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
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. Wisdom Akpaka offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings serve as a key element in maintaining oral function and comfort by restoring damaged teeth to their original shape and function.
- Dental Cleaning: Through a thorough cleaning, your dentist can assess the health of your mouth, identifying potential problems early for effective management and treatment.
- 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: Dental hygiene services are essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, helping seniors maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being.
- 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: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the root to prevent further infection and pain.
- Teeth Extraction: As a preventative measure, removing a tooth that's beyond repair can prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth or other areas of the body.
- 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. Wisdom Akpaka 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, experiencing discomfort from swollen gums, found relief with professional dental care. She regained her confidence in enjoying her favorite foods and smiling without embarrassment.
- After a chipped tooth, a senior felt renewed confidence in smiling and eating, which led to a more active and joyful social life.
- Mrs. Hernandez found significant relief from her jaw clicking, allowing her to once again enjoy her favorite pastime of knitting without discomfort. Her family was overjoyed to see her renewed enthusiasm and improved quality of life.
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. Wisdom Akpaka:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Akpaka'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 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 your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Akpaka 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. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Akpaka can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or investigate other potential causes 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 is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Akpaka can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to resolve 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 provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or even full dentures 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, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Akpaka 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.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap, while a partial denture clips onto existing teeth to fill in the missing teeth.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner daily on all surfaces. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
Orangetree Dental Care
13600 Immokalee Rd Unit 102
Naples FL 34120
Phone: (239) 935-8057
Dr. Wisdom Akpaka, 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): 1114338738
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. Wisdom Akpaka 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.