Dr. Dimitrios Gatis, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Bernwood Park Dental Care in Bonita Springs, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring his patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. Dr. Gatis is deeply committed to the well-being of his patients, recognizing the unique oral health needs of those 65 years and older. He understands that 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. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (239) 388-7065. Dr. Gatis, a second-generation Greek and proud member of the Naples community, brings a personal touch to his practice, having been raised in Naples, Florida and graduated from Naples High School. He is passionate about providing friendly, high-quality care in a comfortable setting, educating patients to maintain optimum oral health. His mission is to deliver exceptional dental services that enhance both oral function and aesthetics. Dr. Dimitrios Gatis provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Dimitrios Gatis is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gatis acts as a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, proactively managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease. His commitment extends beyond the examination chair, fostering collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Dimitrios Gatis 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
- 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. Dimitrios Gatis 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Dental Injury: A dental injury, such as a chipped tooth or broken denture, can be painful and affect your ability to eat comfortably, but your dentist can repair or replace the damaged tooth or denture, restoring your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Canker Sore: Managing canker sore discomfort can help maintain your independence and quality of life, and your dentist can help you find effective ways to deal with these painful sores.
- Swollen Gums: Swollen gums, a common issue as we age, can often be managed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, helping you keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, happens when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage your tooth enamel, leading to holes in your teeth that can cause pain and discomfort, but regular dental checkups and treatments can prevent further damage and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Receding Gums: Receding gums, a common issue as we age, happen when the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth and making teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to decay.
- 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.
- 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.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw joint? This could be TMJ, and your dentist can provide solutions like splints or other therapies to relieve pain and restore normal jaw function, making eating and speaking easier.
- 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.
- Dental Trauma: Accidents happen, and a fall or bump can cause dental trauma. Thankfully, your dentist has the expertise to repair or replace damaged teeth, improving your smile and confidence.
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. Dimitrios Gatis offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Dental Cleaning: Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- 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: Dental hygiene services are essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, helping seniors maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being.
- 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: Extracting a tooth can be part of a comprehensive care plan, addressing pain, infection, or preparing for dentures or implants.
- 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. Dimitrios Gatis 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:
- Feeling more secure and confident while eating was a welcome outcome for a senior after the dentist addressed their loose teeth, allowing them to enjoy meals with their family again.
- A senior woman, concerned about a chipped tooth, found relief and improved confidence in her smile after a visit to a dentist. She could now easily eat her favorite foods and felt more secure about her appearance.
- After a chipped tooth was expertly repaired, a senior was able to once again enjoy her favorite crunchy vegetables, a crucial part of her balanced diet.
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. Dimitrios Gatis:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is vital for overall 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 crucial 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. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Gatis 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 even full dentures and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- 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. Gatis 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 damage, while a crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection for a tooth that is more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Gatis's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum tissue over time can affect denture fit. A relining procedure can reshape the denture base for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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, which lacks the protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Gatis can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, and vital part of your routine dental exam. Dr. Gatis will visually inspect your mouth and throat, and gently feel your jaw and neck, for any unusual sores or lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Bernwood Park Dental Care
12759 Bonita Beach Rd SE
Bonita Springs FL 34135
Phone: (239) 388-7065
Dr. Dimitrios Gatis, 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): 1326690736
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. Dimitrios Gatis 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.