Dr. Anthony Chicola, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Dental care for older adults at his clinic in Pensacola, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive high-quality, legally compliant care. Dr. Chicola understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that oral health is integral to overall well-being.
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. Chicola's commitment to this approach stems from his rigorous medical training, including an internship at LSU-Shreveport Health Science Center and a residency in General Dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he specialized in the comprehensive medical care of the 65+ population. He is affiliated with Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Baptist Hospital, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 477-8482 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Chicola is committed to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Anthony Chicola is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Chicola is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal overall well-being. His focus extends beyond dental procedures, emphasizing a patient-centered approach that prioritizes comfort, independence, and a positive experience for every senior patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Anthony Chicola can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Anthony Chicola 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:
- Dentofacial Anomalies: If you have a misaligned bite or jaw structure (dentofacial anomaly), your dentist can help correct these problems, often improving your ability to eat comfortably and confidently smile.
- 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.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep, impacting your health and energy levels; your dentist can work with your doctor to find a solution that improves your quality of life.
- 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.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a wide range of issues affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth, and regular dental checkups help detect and manage them effectively, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
- 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.
- Temporomandibular Joint Pain: Experiencing jaw pain? It might be TMJ, a condition your dentist can help manage through various treatments, improving your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your social connections.
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. Anthony Chicola offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Single Visit Root Canals: By completing the root canal in a single visit, your dentist minimizes discomfort and streamlines the treatment process for a more efficient and comfortable experience.
- Panorex X-Ray: This single X-ray image gives your dentist a comprehensive view of your teeth, jaw, and sinuses, aiding in the early detection of potential problems and informing treatment decisions.
- Dental X-Ray: To monitor the health of your jawbone and the success of dental implants or bridges, your dentist may use X-rays as a vital part of your ongoing care.
- Surgical Biopsy: Surgical biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps your dentist identify and manage potentially serious conditions affecting your gums, tongue, or other oral tissues.
- 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.
- Pre-Prosthetic Surgery: This surgery helps improve the fit and function of your future dentures or implants by removing damaged bone or tissue.
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. Anthony Chicola 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 jaw alignment, an elderly woman regained her confidence in eating and smiling, enjoying a more satisfying and comfortable mealtime routine.
- After years of struggling with tooth loss, a senior woman felt renewed confidence and ease in eating her favorite foods. With the support of a compassionate dental professional, she regained her ability to fully enjoy meals with her family.
- After struggling with disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue, a senior was thrilled to rediscover their love of reading, a cherished pastime, thanks to a personalized treatment plan from a dentist.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Anthony Chicola:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall well-being, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is vital 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 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. Chicola can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your 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 a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, 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 seniors is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root, which lacks protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Chicola can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for cavities or cracked teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Chicola can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Chicola 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 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. Crowns are used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Chicola's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture's underside for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
5075 Carpenter Creek Dr
Pensacola FL 32503
Phone: (850) 477-8482
Dr. Anthony Chicola, 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): 1417020140
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. Anthony Chicola 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.