Dr. Gregory Lawrence, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Naples, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Recognizing the unique oral health needs of individuals 65 years and older, Dr. Lawrence understands that general dentistry plays a vital role in their overall well-being. He focuses on providing meticulous oral care, proactively managing age-related dental issues such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall health.
Dr. Lawrence's practice prioritizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each patient feels heard and empowered in their healthcare journey. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families can confidently participate in decisions about their care. He is currently welcoming new patients, and encourages you to call (239) 793-3777 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gregory Lawrence, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Naples, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Gregory Lawrence provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Gregory Lawrence is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lawrence is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He recognizes the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease. His dedication extends to collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach, maximizing comfort and independence for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gregory Lawrence can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gregory Lawrence 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:
- Taste Disorders: Difficulty tasting food can be frustrating, but with a dental checkup, we can often identify underlying causes and develop strategies to restore your ability to enjoy the flavors of your favorite foods.
- Swollen Gums: Swollen or inflamed gums can make chewing and speaking more difficult, but a visit to your dentist can lead to effective treatment and restore comfort and confidence in your smile.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): Excess gum tissue, sometimes called a gummy smile, can be reshaped through simple procedures like laser gum contouring, restoring a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- 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.
- Tender Gums: If your gums are tender to the touch, don't delay scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Early detection and management can prevent more serious dental problems.
- Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a long-term gum disease that damages the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth, potentially affecting your ability to eat comfortably, but proper care and treatment can help maintain your oral health and reduce pain.
- Mouth Conditions: Various mouth conditions can affect eating, speaking, and even self-confidence, but with proper dental care and treatment, many of these issues can be effectively managed, preserving independence and quality of life.
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. Gregory Lawrence 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.
- Air Abrasion: Air abrasion can be a less invasive alternative to traditional dental drills for seniors, making it a more comfortable option for sensitive teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: An implant-supported bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial ones anchored to dental implants, restoring your smile and chewing ability for a better quality of life.
- Microscope-Aided Endodontic Treatment: This advanced technique allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay and root canal infections, helping prevent further damage and improve your overall oral health.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatment is a valuable tool in our effort to maintain your oral health and well-being throughout your senior years, working as an important part of your overall health management strategy.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery plays a crucial role in resolving severe dental problems, often improving the success of other dental treatments in seniors.
- Dental Examination: Through a thorough examination, your dentist can assess your oral health, enabling them to create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and prevent future problems.
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. Gregory Lawrence 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, previously struggling with a diminished ability to taste her meals, found renewed joy in eating after a dental checkup identified and addressed the underlying cause. She could now savor the flavors of her favorite foods, enhancing her overall well-being.
- Mrs. Hernandez's swollen gums were causing discomfort and difficulty eating her favorite fruits. After a visit with a dentist, she was able to enjoy her meals and social gatherings again, regaining her smile and her zest for life.
- With a confident smile restored through laser gum contouring, a woman felt more comfortable and secure at social gatherings, reigniting her passion for volunteering at the local library.
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. Gregory Lawrence:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Lawrence's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and 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 essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also your overall health and 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 can significantly increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is your body's natural defense, so Dr. Lawrence can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in seniors is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel, making teeth more vulnerable. Dr. Lawrence can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other potential issues like cavities or cracked 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 full dentures and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis. Dr. Lawrence can help create a gentle home care routine and provide a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of your routine dental exam. Dr. Lawrence will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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 used for more extensive damage, like cracks, significant decay, or after a root canal, to provide strength and protection.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. A simple relining of the denture's underside can often restore a snug fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. Either way, a proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
4135 Tamiami Trl E
Naples FL 34112
Phone: (239) 793-3777
Dr. Gregory Lawrence, 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): 1952349789
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. Gregory Lawrence 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.