Dr. David Thaler, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Gainesville, 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. Thaler understands the unique dental needs of seniors, recognizing that oral health is inextricably linked 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. Thaler is committed to this collaborative approach, focusing on the specific needs of his patient population, which includes individuals 65 years and older. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (352) 378-2233 to confirm if Dr. Thaler is currently accepting new patients.
As a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, Dr. David Thaler is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care. His practice emphasizes a collaborative approach to senior dental health, ensuring that every patient receives personalized attention and support. Dr. Thaler's commitment to compassionate care extends to effective communication, making complex dental issues easier to understand for both patients and families. Dr. David Thaler provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. David Thaler is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Thaler is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He recognizes the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease. His approach prioritizes open communication with families and other healthcare providers, ensuring a coordinated and personalized plan to maintain optimal oral health and support the senior's comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. David Thaler 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. David Thaler 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:
- Broken Tooth: If you have a broken tooth, it's crucial to see your dentist quickly to prevent infection and further damage. They can provide appropriate treatment, such as a filling or more extensive repair, to maintain your oral health.
- 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.
- Jaw Cyst: A jaw cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in the jawbone, and your dentist can diagnose and treat it to prevent pain and potential complications.
- 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.
- Tongue Conditions: A healthy tongue contributes to comfortable eating and speaking; your dentist can identify and treat tongue conditions that might interfere with these essential daily functions.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Dysfunction: TMJ problems, affecting the jaw joint, can cause limitations in your daily life, but your dentist can help manage this through various treatment options, improving your quality of life and ensuring you can easily enjoy meals and conversations.
- Orofacial Pain: Experiencing persistent pain in your mouth or face? It could be orofacial pain, and a visit to your dentist can lead to effective treatment and improved comfort.
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. David Thaler offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Surgical Biopsy: A surgical biopsy is a small procedure where a suspicious area in your mouth is removed and sent to a lab to check for cancer or other diseases.
- Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are a removable replacement for missing lower teeth, improving chewing, speech, and overall comfort for seniors.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: Guided tissue regeneration helps regrow gum tissue and bone lost due to periodontal disease, improving the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
- Teeth Extraction: Sometimes, removing a tooth is a crucial step in preparing for the placement of dentures, bridges, or dental implants, ensuring a successful outcome for tooth replacement.
- Endodontic Retreatment: This procedure is a crucial step in a comprehensive dental care plan for seniors, as it helps resolve issues that might not have been entirely addressed during the initial root canal.
- Debridement: As part of your regular dental checkup, debridement helps your dentist identify early signs of gum disease or other oral health problems.
- Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): LANAP aids in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, contributing to a proactive approach to maintaining strong teeth and preventing further issues.
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. David Thaler 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 citizen, experiencing discomfort from a broken tooth, found relief and a renewed ability to enjoy their favorite foods after a prompt visit to a dentist and appropriate treatment. The family was reassured knowing the broken tooth was addressed, minimizing the risk of further complications.
- With improved gum health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, savoring the flavors of their favorite foods without the discomfort of persistent bad breath.
- After a jaw cyst was successfully treated, a senior felt a significant reduction in facial pain, allowing them to once again enjoy their favorite meals with ease and comfort.
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. David Thaler:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Thaler's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic 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 and gums, but also 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. Thaler can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 full dentures and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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 cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent appliance cemented to your teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. The bridge fills the space, while the partial replaces missing teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, the jawbone and gums change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. A simple relining procedure can reshape the underside of the denture for a more comfortable fit, or a new denture may be needed if the current one is significantly worn. Maintaining a proper denture fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Thaler can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, to provide strength and protection.
3500 W University Ave
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 378-2233
Dr. David Thaler, 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): 1689708166
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. David Thaler 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.