Dr. Bradley Dilling, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Dental care for older adults at his clinic in Fort Myers, 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 the highest quality and legally compliant care. Dr. Dilling is committed to being a trusted partner in the health journey of his patients, specifically those 65 years and older, recognizing the unique oral health needs of this population.
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. Dilling received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida and has furthered his expertise through extensive continuing education, including advanced courses in cosmetic dentistry and training at The Dawson Academy. He focuses his practice on providing excellent dental care, remaining sensitive to the fears and concerns of his patients, and strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (239) 454-1150 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Bradley Dilling provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Bradley Dilling is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Dilling is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of aging adults. He meticulously addresses age-related oral concerns, such as dry mouth and gum disease, while collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being. His compassionate approach prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Bradley Dilling can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Dental PPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Bradley Dilling 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:
- 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.
- Misaligned Teeth: Misaligned teeth, or malocclusion, can make chewing and speaking more difficult, but a dentist can help improve comfort and function with braces, aligners, or other solutions.
- Cavity: That bothersome cavity is a sign of tooth decay that needs attention; your dentist can easily fill it to stop the decay, prevent future problems, and maintain your ability to enjoy eating.
- Oral Infection: Oral infections can range from minor gum inflammation to more serious conditions, but with early diagnosis and treatment by your dentist, these infections are manageable.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, don't worry your dentist can help you explore different replacement options like dentures or implants, helping to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Periodontitis: As we age, gum disease becomes more common, but with proper care from your dentist, including professional cleanings and at-home care, you can keep your gums healthy and your teeth secure.
- Loose Teeth: If your teeth feel loose, don't worry a visit to the dentist can help determine the cause and provide solutions to improve comfort and prevent further problems.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where your gums become inflamed and may bleed easily, often manageable with improved brushing and flossing techniques.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease involves inflammation and infection of the gums, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated; however, your dentist can provide treatments to stop its progression and maintain your oral health.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Bradley Dilling offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- 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.
- Denture Consultation: A denture consultation allows your dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth and gums, checking for any signs of irritation or infection associated with denture use and to make recommendations for treatment.
- Dental Veneer: Your dentist can use veneers as part of a restorative strategy, combining them with other treatments for a complete and healthy smile makeover.
- Dental Bridge Adjustment: A dental bridge adjustment ensures your bridge fits comfortably and functions correctly, preventing irritation and promoting good oral health.
- Biocon Dental Implants: A consultation about Biocon dental implants helps your dentist assess your oral health and determine if they're a suitable option to address missing teeth and improve your smile.
- Dental Crown: To protect a weakened tooth from further damage and prevent future dental problems, your dentist might recommend a dental crown as part of your comprehensive care plan.
- Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are a removable replacement for missing lower teeth, improving chewing, speech, and overall comfort for seniors.
- Dental Procedure: A dental procedure is a treatment or intervention performed by a dentist to address a specific oral health concern, helping maintain your overall well-being.
- Removable Denture: Removable dentures are a comfortable and practical solution to missing teeth, improving chewing and speaking abilities, and boosting overall confidence for seniors.
- Dental Inlays: As part of your regular dental care, inlays offer a durable solution to moderate tooth decay, preventing further damage and discomfort.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: By restoring your dental implants, you're actively participating in a comprehensive oral health plan that prioritizes function, comfort, and longevity.
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. Bradley Dilling 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 oral health, a senior woman regained the confidence to laugh freely at family gatherings, a joy she had missed for some time. Addressing her tooth damage helped her enjoy meals with ease and comfort, boosting her overall well-being.
- After years of discomfort, a senior was able to enjoy a hearty meal without pain thanks to a dentist's careful treatment of their misaligned teeth. The improved chewing function brought a renewed sense of confidence and enjoyment to their daily life.
- Grandma finally felt confident enough to enjoy her favorite crunchy vegetables again, after a general dentist expertly filled the bothersome cavity.
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. Bradley Dilling:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can travel to other parts of your body, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining your overall well-being.
- 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. Dilling 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, strengthening and protecting it when it's more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. We can reline the existing denture to improve the fit, or create a new denture if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, 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 roof of your mouth, and 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 is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Dilling can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 the root more sensitive. Dr. Dilling 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. Dilling's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine exam. He 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.
16400 Healthpark Commons Dr
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 454-1150
Dr. Bradley Dilling, 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): 1033371653
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. Bradley Dilling 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.