Dr. Craig Mayer, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at Dental Care of Lehigh Acres in Lehigh Acres, FL. He is deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care specifically for older adults, 65 years and older. Dr. Mayer is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He recognizes the vital role general dentists play in the overall health of seniors, addressing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, while collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (239) 366-4174 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Mayer's dedication to senior care stems from a personal understanding of the challenges and triumphs of aging. His extensive experience, honed through years of practice and continuing education, including training at the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, equips him to provide exceptional care. Dr. Mayer's commitment extends beyond technical expertise, reflecting in his philosophy of building trust and rapport with patients. He understands the importance of a healthy smile for self-esteem and overall well-being, and strives to provide patients with a positive and supportive experience. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, and actively participates in local community initiatives. Dr. Mayer provides consultations primarily in English.
Dr. Mayer's background is rich with personal experience, and his practice reflects this dedication to patient care. His career began at Northwestern Dental School, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with high honors. His journey into dentistry was a childhood dream, and he has continued to stay current with advanced dental techniques through extensive continuing education. His commitment to providing exceptional care for seniors is evident in his dedication to staying abreast of advancements in dental care, a testament to his deep commitment to his profession.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Craig Mayer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Craig Mayer is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing 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 closely with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal overall well-being. His approach prioritizes the individual needs and goals of each patient, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Craig Mayer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Dental
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Delta Dental of Washington
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Network of America
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- DenteMax
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Principal Financial Group
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Craig Mayer 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Mouth Conditions: Maintaining good oral health as we age is vital, and addressing mouth conditions promptly, whether it's through regular cleanings, managing dry mouth, or treating gum disease, significantly improves comfort and overall well-being.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection that can affect your ability to eat and sleep comfortably; timely treatment from your dentist will greatly improve your quality of life.
- 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.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth can make enjoying your favorite foods and drinks challenging, but it's important to know that a visit to your dentist can lead to effective treatment and relief from this common dental problem.
- Tender Gums: Tenderness in your gums might indicate an underlying issue that can impact your oral health and overall well-being; your dentist can address the issue and improve your comfort.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Swollen Gums: Notice your gums looking puffy? This could signal gum disease, but with prompt attention from your dentist, treatment like cleaning and medication can prevent more serious problems and maintain your ability to eat comfortably.
- Toothache: That nagging toothache can make eating and sleeping difficult. Your dentist can diagnose the problem, such as a cracked tooth or abscess, and offer solutions to restore your oral health and overall well-being.
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. Craig Mayer offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: During a routine check-up, your dentist might recommend amalgam fillings to address tooth decay, ensuring your teeth remain strong and functional.
- Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleanings are a key part of your overall health plan, allowing your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
- 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: 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: If you have a tooth with significant decay or injury, a root canal can be a key component of your comprehensive dental care plan to address pain and maintain oral health.
- 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: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
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. Craig Mayer 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 her confidence to enjoy meals with her family, savoring the flavors and textures she had missed for years.
- With improved oral hygiene and regular checkups, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite foods without the discomfort of gum disease, regaining their confidence and ability to eat with ease.
- After addressing dry mouth and gum inflammation, a senior couple enjoyed their favorite fruit again without discomfort, rediscovering a simple pleasure they had almost forgotten.
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. Craig Mayer:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, potentially increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also 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 a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Mayer can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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, acting as a permanent fixture. A partial denture clips onto existing teeth to fill in the gaps of missing teeth.
- 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, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Mayer can help create a gentle home care routine and provide a professional cleaning to reverse 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, yet vital part of your routine dental exam. Dr. Mayer 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 to protect and strengthen it when the damage is more extensive, such as from a crack or a root canal.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive 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.
Dental Care of Lehigh Acres
105 Connecticut Rd
Lehigh Acres FL 33936
Phone: (239) 366-4174
Dr. Craig Mayer, 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): 1881808228
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. Craig Mayer 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.