Dr. Gerald Cerdan, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at our Winter Haven, FL clinic, 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). His practice focuses on the unique needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes 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; please call (863) 293-1108 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Cerdan strives to offer his patients a comfortable experience while providing the highest quality of dental care available. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in dental care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Temple Dental School in 2003. Born in the Philippines and raised in Lake Butler, Florida, Dr. Cerdan's commitment to patient care is evident in his extensive background, including his graduation as valedictorian from Union County High School, and with high honors from the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Cell Science with a minor in Chemistry. Dr. Cerdan is a member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Dental Association, American Dental Association, The Spear Education Study Club, and the Polk County Dental Association, ensuring he stays current with the latest techniques and materials. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Gerald Cerdan is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cerdan is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, proactively managing age-related oral health issues like dry mouth and gum disease. His approach emphasizes collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being, creating a personalized plan for each patient's unique needs and goals.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gerald Cerdan 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. Gerald Cerdan 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:
- Misaligned Teeth: Slightly crooked teeth might not seem serious, but they can lead to increased wear and tear on your teeth and jaw, which can be addressed with dental solutions designed for seniors.
- 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.
- Tooth Discoloration: As we age, teeth can naturally darken; however, discoloration can also be a sign of other issues. Your dentist can help determine the cause and recommend the best treatment option for a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- 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.
- Broken Tooth: A broken tooth doesn't have to mean the end of comfortable eating. Your dentist can offer various solutions, from a simple repair to a more substantial restoration, depending on the severity of the break, ensuring you can continue enjoying meals.
- Gum Disease: As we age, gum disease becomes more common, but it's important to remember that early detection and treatment can prevent serious problems like tooth loss and keep you enjoying your favorite foods.
- Tooth Abscess: Experiencing intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity in your tooth? It may be an abscess. Your dentist can provide effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent complications.
- Gingivitis: Maintaining healthy gums is crucial as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, can be prevented or reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, improving overall comfort and oral health.
- Toothache: That nagging toothache can make eating and sleeping difficult. Your dentist can diagnose the problem, such as a cracked tooth or abscess, and offer solutions to restore your oral health and overall well-being.
- Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization is the loss of minerals from tooth enamel, making teeth weaker and more prone to cavities, but with proper dental care and fluoride treatments, you can strengthen your teeth and prevent further damage.
- 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.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are a common dental issue that can affect anyone at any age, including seniors, however, early detection through regular dental visits allows for timely treatment, preventing more extensive damage and avoiding painful procedures later.
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. Gerald Cerdan offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line, supporting your gums' health and preventing further gum disease.
- Teeth Scaling: As part of a comprehensive oral health plan, teeth scaling contributes to managing gum inflammation and preventing tooth loss.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: By restoring your dental implants, you're actively participating in a comprehensive oral health plan that prioritizes function, comfort, and longevity.
- Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, helping maintain your smile and ability to eat comfortably.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: This advanced cleaning method helps your dentist detect early signs of gum disease or tooth decay, allowing for prompt treatment and preserving your teeth for years to come.
- Dental Inlays: To preserve your natural teeth for years to come, inlays provide a conservative approach to tooth repair, often avoiding more extensive procedures.
- Composite Fillings: As a key step in managing tooth decay, composite fillings help prevent further damage and discomfort, contributing to a healthier mouth for seniors.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers offer a way to reshape and improve the appearance of teeth, helping you feel more comfortable and confident in your smile as part of your aging journey.
- Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are a removable replacement for missing lower teeth, improving chewing, speech, and overall comfort for seniors.
- 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.
- Dental Onlay: A dental onlay is a custom-made restoration that protects a significantly damaged tooth, preventing further decay and ensuring its long-term health.
- Teeth Whitening: While not always medically necessary, teeth whitening can be a valuable cosmetic procedure to enhance your self-esteem and overall oral health strategy.
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. Gerald Cerdan 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:
- With slightly crooked teeth addressed by gentle dental solutions, a senior woman rediscovered the joy of smiling confidently, boosting her social connections and overall well-being.
- Mrs. Hernandez's discomfort from dental issues eased significantly, allowing her to enjoy her favorite meals again and smile confidently with her dentures.
- Grandma beamed as she smiled confidently at her grandchildren again, no longer self-conscious about her teeth's discoloration. A brighter smile brought renewed joy to her family gatherings.
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. Gerald Cerdan:
- 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, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is crucial for preventing these systemic health problems.
- 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. Cerdan 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?
- As we age, our jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Cerdan can reline your dentures to improve the fit, or create a new set if your current ones are significantly worn. A comfortable fit is crucial for proper chewing 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, which is less protected than the enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Cerdan can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture 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 do not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Cerdan 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 a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are needed when a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
501 E Central Ave
Winter Haven FL 33880
Phone: (863) 293-1108
Dr. Gerald Cerdan, 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): 1336231117
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. Gerald Cerdan 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.