Dr. Julie Skoby, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the unique dental needs of individuals 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. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (352) 377-5757 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Julie Skoby, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to the well-being of senior patients. Her practice emphasizes the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health, recognizing that oral issues can impact overall health and well-being. She is deeply committed to providing the highest quality dental care, tailored to the specific needs and concerns of her patients. She understands the importance of communication and collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes and empowers her patients to actively participate in their care. Dr. Julie Skoby provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Julie Skoby is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Julie Skoby is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She expertly manages age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. Her approach prioritizes the individual needs and goals of each patient, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Julie Skoby can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- 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
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Julie Skoby 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:
- 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.
- Tongue-Tie: Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too short, potentially affecting speech, eating, and overall oral health.
- Dental Spacing: If you've noticed increasing gaps between your teeth, it's a good idea to have your dentist assess them, as this can affect how well you eat and even your overall confidence; treatments like braces or partial dentures can address these issues.
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition where a white patch forms on the side of your tongue. It's often associated with a viral infection and typically doesn't require specific treatment but should be monitored by your dentist.
- Herpes Stomatitis: Cold sores in the mouth, or herpes stomatitis, can be treated with antiviral medications prescribed by your dentist, bringing relief from the pain and allowing you to eat comfortably again.
- Infected Tooth Pulp: Protecting your teeth from infection is important as you age. If the inner part of a tooth (the pulp) becomes infected, your dentist can offer solutions to alleviate pain and prevent further problems.
- Tooth Decay Caused by Acid Attack: The acids from certain foods and drinks can slowly damage your teeth, eventually causing cavities. Early detection and treatment by your dentist, such as fillings or crowns, can prevent more serious problems and maintain your ability to chew comfortably.
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. Julie Skoby offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from your mouth to help your dentist diagnose and manage potential problems like oral cancer or other suspicious growths.
- Dental Veneer: As a cosmetic procedure, veneers can be included in your comprehensive dental plan to address aesthetic concerns and boost your overall oral health.
- Endodontic Surgery: Endodontic surgery can be a crucial step in diagnosing and managing severe infections impacting the tooth and surrounding bone, allowing your dentist to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: Full mouth reconstruction is a way to comprehensively address significant oral health concerns, providing a customized solution to restore comfort and function.
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a ceramic crown provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution, enhancing both the health and appearance of your smile.
- Frenectomy: Addressing a lip or tongue tie with a frenectomy is a preventative measure, ensuring comfortable eating, speaking, and proper oral hygiene for a healthy aging experience.
- Arestin Therapy: As part of your comprehensive dental care plan, Arestin can be used to treat periodontal disease, helping to control infection and reduce inflammation in your gums.
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. Julie Skoby 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 citizen, plagued by frequent cold sores that made eating painful, found relief and confidence in their dentist's recommendations for topical treatments and dietary adjustments. They were able to resume enjoying their favorite meals and social gatherings without discomfort.
- A senior citizen, previously experiencing difficulty eating and discomfort, found relief after a consultation with a general dentist. The treatment for tongue-tie allowed them to enjoy their favorite foods and social interactions more comfortably.
- After addressing increasing gaps between her teeth, a senior woman rediscovered her love for eating a wider variety of foods and felt more confident smiling in photos.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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. Julie Skoby:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Skoby's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to increased risks for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also 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's a dental problem. Saliva is your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Skoby 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 that fills the gap with a false tooth cemented to the teeth on either side. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto existing teeth to replace missing ones.
- 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 to prevent slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, which can cause dentures to loosen. Dr. Skoby can reline your dentures to reshape the underside for a better fit, or create a new set if your current dentures are significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Skoby performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. This involves a visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat, and a gentle feeling of the jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or sores. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean, remove them after eating and rinse them thoroughly. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner on all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease if left untreated. Dr. Skoby can help create a gentle home care routine and provide a professional cleaning to reverse this.
3721 NW 40th Ter Ste A
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 377-5757
Dr. Julie Skoby, 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): 1376542043
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. Julie Skoby 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.