Dr. Alec Gonzalez, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He practices at Dental Care at Westside Shoppes in Windermere, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Gonzalez understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, and his practice focuses on managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease. He collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being for his patients. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (407) 217-7685 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gonzalez brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his practice, having completed rigorous medical training from Temple University School of Dentistry, Villanova University, and Temple University. He is a member of the OSseointegrations Society and has been mentored by Dr. Robert Levine, a renowned periodontist and implantology expert. His commitment to continuous education ensures patients receive the most advanced and effective care possible. Dr. Gonzalez prioritizes building strong relationships with his patients, providing professional care in a comforting environment. His mission is to deliver exceptional dental experiences for all patients, addressing their concerns and enhancing their smiles. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Alec Gonzalez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gonzalez is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of aging adults, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. His focus on personalized care and open communication creates a supportive environment where your loved one feels heard and empowered throughout their senior years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Alec Gonzalez 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
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- 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 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. Alec Gonzalez 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:
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth, but with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene, it can often be managed effectively.
- Sensitive Teeth: Don't let sensitive teeth prevent you from enjoying a healthy and delicious diet. Your dentist can provide relief and effective treatments to help you manage this common age-related concern and enjoy mealtimes again.
- Tooth Discoloration: Tooth discoloration, a change in your teeth's color, can be addressed by your dentist through professional cleaning, whitening treatments, or veneers to restore a brighter smile and boost your confidence.
- Gingivitis: If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, it might be gingivitisa gum infection easily treated with professional cleaning and improved brushing, helping maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
- Plaque: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth, and regular brushing and flossing help remove it to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral health is crucial for seniors as it significantly affects overall well-being, and addressing dental disorders can improve your diet, confidence, and overall quality of life.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chipped Tooth: Experiencing a chipped tooth can be concerning, but your dentist can assess the damage and recommend the best treatment to protect the tooth from further harm and restore its function.
- 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.
- 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.
- Receding Gums: The gradual pulling back of gum tissue, known as gum recession, can be addressed by your dentist, often with procedures to help improve gum health and prevent further problems.
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. Alec Gonzalez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Regular dental visits and, if necessary, the use of amalgam fillings as a restorative treatment, can play a critical role in preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
- 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: Dental crowns are a key restorative treatment used to manage severely damaged or decayed teeth, improving both your oral health and overall well-being.
- Dental Hygiene Services: These services help diagnose potential issues early, contributing to a comprehensive healthcare strategy that considers your senior's overall health and quality of life.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a stable base for replacement teeth, improving chewing and speaking ability and boosting your confidence.
- 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: Extracting a tooth can be part of a comprehensive care plan, addressing pain, infection, or preparing for dentures or implants.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening helps remove stains and discoloration, revealing a healthier-looking smile and contributing to improved oral hygiene.
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. Alec Gonzalez 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 improved gum health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, savoring the taste of their favorite foods with renewed confidence.
- Mrs. Hernandez enjoyed a delicious meal of ice cream for the first time in months, a simple pleasure made possible by the dentist's effective treatment for her sensitive teeth. Her family was thrilled to see her smile and relish the joy of eating again.
- A senior citizen, previously self-conscious about their tooth discoloration, felt a renewed sense of confidence after professional cleanings and whitening treatments, allowing them to once again smile freely during family gatherings.
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. Alec Gonzalez:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Gonzalez'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 for maintaining not only healthy teeth 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 is 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. Gonzalez can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 tooth is more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- 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. Gonzalez can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Gonzalez's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. He will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if not treated. Dr. Gonzalez can help create a gentle home care routine and provide a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Gonzalez's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape can cause dentures to loosen over time. A relining procedure can reshape the denture base for a more comfortable fit, or a new denture can be created if the existing one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 can be a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
Dental Care at Westside Shoppes
11625 Lachlan Ln
Windermere FL 34786
Phone: (407) 217-7685
Dr. Alec Gonzalez, 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): 1699079681
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. Alec Gonzalez 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.