Dr. Dixie Jernigan, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at her clinic in Venice, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring her patients receive the highest standard of care. Dr. Jernigan understands the unique oral health needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that maintaining optimal 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. Dixie Jernigan is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (941) 493-5923 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Dixie Jernigan, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Venice, FL. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Jernigan provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Dixie Jernigan is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Dixie Jernigan is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to their unique needs. She understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, addressing age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach. Dr. Jernigan prioritizes patient comfort and understanding, creating a supportive environment to maintain optimal oral and overall health for seniors.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Dixie Jernigan 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. Dixie Jernigan 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:
- Orofacial Infection: Sometimes, an injury to your mouth or face can lead to an infection requiring prompt dental care, so it's important to seek professional help to prevent further complications and regain oral comfort, which is essential for maintaining your overall independence.
- Dental Injury: Dental injuries, ranging from cracked teeth to jaw fractures, can be managed with various treatments by your dentist, such as crowns, fillings, or surgery, greatly improving your comfort and preventing complications.
- 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 Avulsion: A knocked-out tooth can be a frightening experience, but rapid treatment by a dentist can increase the chances of successfully saving the tooth and maintaining your oral health.
- Tartar Buildup: Tartar, or hardened plaque, is a buildup of bacteria and minerals that can irritate gums and lead to gum disease, but regular dental cleanings can easily remove it and keep your mouth healthy.
- Jaw Tumor: Depending on the type and location, a jaw tumor may require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to prevent further complications and enhance quality of life for the patient.
- Hypodontia: Hypodontia is a condition where some teeth are missing at birth, and your dentist can help plan for ways to replace them, improving your smile and ability to eat comfortably.
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. Dixie Jernigan offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Replacing Missing Teeth: A comprehensive dental care plan often includes replacing missing teeth to improve oral function and prevent jawbone loss.
- Osseous Surgery: Osseous surgery helps address bone loss in the jaw, a common concern for seniors, ensuring the stability of dentures or dental implants.
- Apicoectomy: As part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a severely infected tooth, your dentist might recommend an apicoectomy to prevent further damage and preserve your smile.
- DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detection: DIAGNOdent improves early detection of cavities, supporting the development of a comprehensive oral health management plan tailored to your age and health status.
- Dento Alveolar Surgery: For seniors facing jawbone problems or difficult tooth extractions, dentoalveolar surgery provides a solution for better oral health and reduced pain.
- Restoring Teeth: Restoring teeth helps repair damaged or decayed teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall oral health.
- Jaw Surgery: In some cases, jaw surgery is a necessary step to prepare for the placement of dental implants or other restorative procedures.
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. Dixie Jernigan 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:
- After a prompt visit for an orofacial infection, a senior was able to resume enjoying her favorite meals without discomfort, regaining her independence in the kitchen.
- A senior citizen, experiencing discomfort from a dental injury, found significant relief after a consultation with a dentist. They were able to resume their favorite hobby of eating crunchy vegetables without pain, greatly improving their overall well-being.
- A senior woman, struggling with jaw clicking, found relief with a custom splint. She could now easily eat her favorite foods and smile without discomfort, regaining her enjoyment of social gatherings.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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. Dixie Jernigan:
- 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 and gums, 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's a significant dental concern. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Jernigan can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Jernigan's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum tissue over time can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can often reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be crafted if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is key for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth.
- 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 teeth more sensitive. Dr. Jernigan can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues causing the sensitivity.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Jernigan performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. This involves visually inspecting your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feeling your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. Dr. Jernigan can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Don't forget to gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
4140 Woodmere Park Blvd Ste 1
Venice FL 34293
Phone: (941) 493-5923
Dr. Dixie Jernigan, 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): 1134789241
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. Dixie Jernigan 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.