Dr. Eugene Rhee, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Palm Coast, Florida, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Rhee understands the unique needs of seniors, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. He focuses on managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being for his patients, who are 65 years and older. He is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (386) 446-9050 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Rhee's commitment to senior care stems from his extensive experience and dedication. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, he earned his Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University in 1986, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1990. He further honed his skills with a residency program in General Dentistry at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. With over 30 years of experience in dental care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He completed Levels I-VI at the LD Pankey Institute and is a member of the Spear Dental Study Club. Dr. Rhee's practice philosophy prioritizes individualized care, collaborating with each patient to develop a comprehensive strategy for optimal oral health throughout their lives. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Eugene Rhee is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Eugene Rhee is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, actively managing age-related dental concerns like dry mouth and gum disease. His approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers, ensuring a coordinated plan of care that maximizes comfort and promotes the best possible quality of life for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Eugene Rhee 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. Eugene Rhee 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:
- Cavity: Cavities develop when bacteria break down tooth enamel, causing a small hole that can lead to toothache and potential infection if left untreated; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment keep your smile healthy.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gingivitis: Inflamed and irritated gums, known as gingivitis, can be addressed through better oral care habits and professional cleaning by your dentist to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
- 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.
- Periodontitis: While gum disease (periodontitis) may seem daunting, it's manageable with regular dental visits and a dedicated oral hygiene routine, allowing you to preserve your smile and overall well-being as you age.
- 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.
- Tooth Decay: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, are essential steps to prevent tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile throughout your golden years.
- Tooth Demineralization: Demineralization is a process where teeth lose minerals, increasing the chance of decay; your dentist can identify this early and use treatments like fluoride to protect your teeth and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- 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.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
- Toothache: A toothache, that persistent pain in your tooth, is often caused by decay, infection, or injury and can be relieved with a visit to your dentist who will provide the necessary treatment, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
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. Eugene Rhee offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: Ceramic crowns offer a natural-looking restoration for your teeth, providing a long-term solution to protect and preserve the health of your mouth as part of comprehensive dental care.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: For seniors facing tooth loss, simple tooth extraction, as a step toward proper oral care, can be a pathway to improved chewing and speaking abilities.
- 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.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that repairs chipped or cracked teeth, improving your smile's appearance and confidence.
- 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.
- Composite Fillings: A comprehensive approach to senior dental care often includes composite fillings as a way to preserve natural teeth and maintain oral health for years to come.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Regular restoration appointments for dental implants help your dentist monitor the health of your jawbone and implants, catching potential problems early.
- Dental Inlays: To preserve your natural teeth for years to come, inlays provide a conservative approach to tooth repair, often avoiding more extensive procedures.
- Dental Onlay: A dental onlay serves as a significant step in preserving your teeth, especially when dealing with larger areas of decay or damage, providing a long-lasting solution in your senior care journey.
- Teeth Whitening: Incorporating teeth whitening into your dental care can help you maintain a beautiful smile throughout your senior years.
- Tooth Preparation for Dental Crown: This procedure helps manage significant tooth damage, preventing potential complications and improving your overall oral health.
- Periodontal Exam: During a periodontal exam, your dentist carefully examines your gums, checking for inflammation, bleeding, and pockets of infection to ensure the long-term health of your teeth.
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. Eugene Rhee 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 diligent dental care, a senior couple rediscovered their love for sharing meals with friends, no longer worried about the discomfort of tooth pain.
- A senior citizen, previously hesitant to smile due to a chipped tooth, regained confidence and enjoyed delicious meals with newfound ease after professional treatment. The family felt a significant relief, knowing the prompt care prevented further complications and maintained their loved one's ability to enjoy life fully.
- With improved oral health, a senior woman regained the confidence to enjoy meals with her family, a cherished activity previously hindered by discomfort. Her smile, once obscured by dental issues, now radiated warmth and joy.
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. Eugene Rhee:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing these issues and promoting your overall health.
- 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. Rhee 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're a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. They're a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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 (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Rhee can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Rhee performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. This involves visually inspecting your mouth and throat, and gently feeling your jaw and neck for any unusual signs. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and this screening is a vital part of your overall oral health.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent, fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Changes in your jawbone and gums over time can sometimes cause dentures to loosen. We can often reline the dentures to create a better fit, or, if the denture is significantly worn, create a new one. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
7 Boulder Rock Dr Ste 3
Palm Coast FL 32137
Phone: (386) 446-9050
Dr. Eugene Rhee, 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): 1699941690
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. Eugene Rhee 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.