Dr. Gary Pileggi, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at Tim Tiralosi D.M.D. in Lake Mary, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Pileggi understands the unique dental needs of this population, recognizing that 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. Pileggi is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (407) 333-1335 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gary Pileggi, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Lake Mary, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Pileggi provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Gary Pileggi is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gary Pileggi is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He expertly manages age-related dental issues, like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. His focus on personalized care and proactive strategies for maintaining healthy smiles fosters a sense of comfort and confidence for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gary Pileggi 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. Gary Pileggi 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:
- 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.
- Mouth Ulcer: While often temporary, mouth ulcers can be quite bothersome; your dentist can assess the ulcer and suggest strategies to manage pain and prevent complications, ensuring you maintain a good quality of life.
- Cleft Lip: A cleft lip is a birth defect where the lip doesn't fully form during pregnancy, often requiring surgical repair to improve appearance and function.
- Tooth Damage: Damaged teeth can cause pain and make chewing difficult, but with appropriate dental treatment, like fillings or crowns, you can restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Accidents happen, and even a small chip in a tooth can cause discomfort or infection. Your dentist can assess the damage and provide solutions, minimizing pain and protecting your oral health.
- Cold Sore: While cold sores aren't directly related to dental health, your dentist can advise on best practices for managing them, especially if they interfere with eating or wearing dentures.
- Tooth Decay Caused by Acid Attack: Acid attacks on your teeth, often from sugary or acidic foods and drinks, can cause tooth decay, but regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help prevent and treat it, preserving your smile and making eating easier.
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. Gary Pileggi offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Vestibule and Floor of Mouth Excision or Destruction: Vestibule and floor of mouth excision or destruction is a surgical procedure to remove abnormal tissue from the inner cheek and floor of the mouth, helping to diagnose and treat potentially cancerous or precancerous lesions.
- Scaling and Root Planing: As part of your comprehensive dental care plan, scaling and root planing helps your dentist diagnose the severity of gum disease and create a personalized treatment strategy to protect your teeth and gums.
- Dental Implant: To address missing teeth and enhance your quality of life, dental implants provide a secure, natural-looking replacement that improves your ability to eat and smile with confidence.
- Osseous Surgery: Osseous surgery helps address bone loss in the jaw, a common concern for seniors, ensuring the stability of dentures or dental implants.
- Removable Denture: For seniors with missing teeth, removable dentures offer a reliable way to restore function and improve their quality of life by aiding in proper nutrition and self-esteem.
- Lower Dentures: A well-fitting set of lower dentures is part of a comprehensive dental care plan, helping maintain oral health and overall well-being.
- Endodontic Retreatment: Endodontic retreatment is a procedure to revisit and repair a previously root-canal-treated tooth, ensuring its long-term health and preventing further infection.
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. Gary Pileggi 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 woman rediscovered the joy of eating crunchy vegetables and enjoying her favorite applesauce, thanks to regular dental checkups and treatments that effectively managed her tooth decay.
- A senior citizen, plagued by persistent mouth ulcers, found significant relief with the dentist's guidance on managing the pain and preventing further complications. This allowed them to enjoy their favorite meals and conversations again without discomfort.
- A senior woman, previously self-conscious about her cleft lip, felt a renewed sense of confidence after undergoing corrective dental work, allowing her to smile freely and enjoy social gatherings again.
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. Gary Pileggi:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial 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 checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining both oral and systemic 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 dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Pileggi 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 restoration 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. Dr. Pileggi can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Pileggi's practice understands that changes in the jaw and gums over time can sometimes cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture base for a better fit, or a new denture may be needed if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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. Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, to provide strength and protection.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Pileggi will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and will gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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 denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth as well, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or plain water.
Tim Tiralosi D.M.D.
731 Stirling Center Pl Unit 1951
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (407) 333-1335
Dr. Gary Pileggi, 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): 1548450562
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. Gary Pileggi 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.