Dr. James Alexander, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Saint Augustine, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care tailored to the specific needs of his senior patients (65 years and older). 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. Alexander is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (904) 940-5757 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Alexander brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in dental care, coupled with a deep commitment to his patients' well-being, to his practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida, College of Dentistry in 2008, and has consistently sought advanced training, including endodontics, the Nash Institute, and the prestigious Implant Maxicourse in New York City. His practice philosophy centers on a single, guiding principle: "Do what is right for the patient, and everything else will follow." This commitment, combined with his extensive training and knowledge, allows him to provide exceptional care to each patient, recognizing the unique needs of his older adult patients and collaborating with their existing healthcare teams. Dr. James Alexander provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. James Alexander is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Alexander is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care tailored to their specific needs. He 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 coordinated and holistic approach. His focus is on creating a comfortable and supportive environment that promotes the long-term oral health and well-being of his patients.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. James Alexander can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Alliance EPO
- Dental
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. James Alexander 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:
- Loose Teeth: If your teeth feel loose, don't worry a visit to the dentist can help determine the cause and provide solutions to improve comfort and prevent further problems.
- 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.
- Tooth Discoloration: Don't let stained or discolored teeth affect your confidence. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like whitening or cosmetic bonding to improve the look of your smile, making you feel better about your appearance.
- Dental Disorders: Addressing dental disorders helps prevent infections and complications that can lead to further health problems, ensuring you can maintain your independence and enjoy your favorite foods.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, don't worry your dentist can help you explore different replacement options like dentures or implants, helping to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Tooth Decay: Untreated tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems like infections or tooth loss, negatively affecting your ability to eat and speak clearly. Regular dental care will help prevent such issues and keep you healthy and independent.
- Gum Disease: Maintaining healthy gums is crucial for overall well-being, and while gum disease can be a concern for seniors, diligent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can significantly reduce your risk and improve your quality of life.
- Dental Injury: A dental injury, such as a chipped tooth or broken denture, can be painful and affect your ability to eat comfortably, but your dentist can repair or replace the damaged tooth or denture, restoring your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- 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.
- Tooth Damage: Tooth damage, such as chips, cracks, or cavities, can be repaired by your dentist to prevent further problems and help you eat comfortably.
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess in your tooth is a serious infection that causes a pocket of pus to form, and it needs attention from your dentist to avoid spreading and causing more discomfort.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, and a dentist can help manage it by creating oral appliances to keep your airway open.
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. James Alexander offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Bridge: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a dental bridge helps manage the consequences of missing teeth, preventing further dental issues and improving your quality of life.
- Lower Dentures: Getting fitted for lower dentures can help restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain a healthy diet.
- Root Planing: As part of your comprehensive dental care, root planing helps manage gum disease by smoothing the tooth roots, allowing your gums to heal and reducing inflammation.
- Teeth Extraction: Tooth extraction is the removal of a severely damaged or infected tooth, helping to prevent further oral health problems and improve overall comfort.
- Dental Crown: Dental crowns are a key restorative treatment used to manage severely damaged or decayed teeth, improving both your oral health and overall well-being.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: By removing plaque and bacteria with ultrasonic technology, this cleaning helps reduce inflammation and improve gum health, a vital aspect of your overall health journey.
- Denture Repair: As part of your comprehensive dental care, denture repair ensures your dentures remain effective for eating and speaking.
- Root Canal: As part of your ongoing dental health, a root canal can address severe toothaches and restore a tooth's function, helping you eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are removable replacements for missing upper teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall comfort for seniors.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening helps remove stains and discoloration, revealing a healthier-looking smile and contributing to improved oral hygiene.
- 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 are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance, addressing cosmetic concerns as part of a comprehensive dental plan.
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. James Alexander 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:
- Concerned about loose teeth affecting her smile and ability to eat, a senior felt significantly more confident and secure at home after a dental visit and personalized treatment plan. She could now enjoy her favorite foods and social activities without discomfort.
- After diligent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a senior woman experienced a significant reduction in gum inflammation and pain, allowing her to once again enjoy her favorite pastime of eating crunchy vegetables without discomfort.
- With improved tooth whitening, a senior woman felt more confident smiling during family gatherings, rekindling cherished traditions with her loved ones.
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. James Alexander:
- 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 an essential part of maintaining your overall health and wellness.
- 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 the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because saliva is the body's natural defense. Dr. Alexander 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?
- Changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can sometimes cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the underside of the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis. Dr. Alexander can help create an effective and gentle home care routine to reverse this, often with a professional cleaning.
- 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 existing teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Alexander will visually inspect your mouth and throat for unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
134 Registry Blvd
Saint Augustine FL 32092
Phone: (904) 940-5757
Dr. James Alexander, 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): 1710149638
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. James Alexander 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.