Dr. Larry Grillo, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, 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). Dr. Grillo understands the unique dental needs of those 65 years and older, recognizing that oral health is intrinsically linked 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. Grillo's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is committed to ensuring the comfort and confidence of his patients throughout their dental journey. Prospective patients should call (305) 682-1414 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Larry Grillo, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL, committed to the specific needs of senior patients. He prioritizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on comprehensive oral care and the proactive management of age-related dental concerns. Dr. Grillo provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Larry Grillo is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Larry Grillo is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Dr. Grillo collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care, maximizing comfort and independence for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Larry Grillo 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. Larry Grillo 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:
- Misshapen Teeth: If you have misshapen teeth affecting your confidence or comfort, your dentist can explore cosmetic or restorative treatments to improve their appearance and 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.
- Alveolar Bone Loss: Losing the bone that supports your teeth (alveolar bone loss) can make teeth feel wobbly and increase the risk of tooth loss; fortunately, dentists offer solutions like implants or bone grafts to restore stability and prevent further bone loss, maintaining your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): For older adults concerned about the appearance of their gums, dental procedures are available to reshape the gum line, providing a more youthful and balanced smile.
- Gingivostomatitis: Sore gums and mouth sores? Gingivostomatitis is a condition that causes this inflammation, and your dentist can recommend ways to relieve pain and promote healing.
- Tooth Abscess: If you have a throbbing toothache and swelling, it could be a tooth abscess, a condition that a dentist can address with treatments like antibiotics and potentially a root canal to save your tooth or an extraction if necessary.
- Infected Tooth Pulp: An infected tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, causes severe toothache and needs prompt dental care to prevent further complications and discomfort.
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. Larry Grillo offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Removable Denture: Removable dentures are a comfortable and practical solution to missing teeth, improving chewing and speaking abilities, and boosting overall confidence for seniors.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Oral cancer screening is a vital part of your regular dental checkup, helping your dentist detect any potential signs of oral cancer early for better treatment outcomes.
- Dental Onlay: Similar to a filling, a dental onlay helps manage substantial tooth damage by providing a strong, durable covering to preserve your natural tooth structure.
- Dental Sealant: By sealing the grooves on your teeth, dental sealants help prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped, supporting long-term oral health.
- Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: This laser treatment is a supportive step to improve gum health and reduce discomfort during and after dental procedures for aging patients.
- Molar Endodontics: Molar endodontics is a key part of preventing the spread of infection from a damaged molar to other teeth or parts of your body, protecting your overall health.
- Air Abrasion: Air abrasion is a gentle, minimally invasive method your dentist might use to remove tooth decay, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
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. Larry Grillo 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:
- After years of feeling self-conscious about her misshapen teeth, a senior woman felt renewed confidence and comfort after cosmetic treatments, allowing her to smile freely and enjoy her favorite social events again.
- A senior citizen, plagued by a persistent toothache, found relief from the discomfort that had been hindering their enjoyment of meals. With the dentist's care, they could once again savor their favorite foods and sleep soundly.
- After treatment for alveolar bone loss, a senior couple was delighted to rediscover the joy of eating their favorite foods without discomfort and the worry of tooth loss.
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. Larry Grillo:
- 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's a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Grillo can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your 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, preventing 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?
- Dr. Grillo's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure reshapes the denture's underside for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the existing one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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, leaving the root more vulnerable. Dr. Grillo can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other potential issues.
- 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 (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis. Dr. Grillo can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- 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 to protect and strengthen it when it's more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture 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.
18851 NE 29th Ave Ste 301
Miami FL 33180
Phone: (305) 682-1414
Dr. Larry Grillo, 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): 1225239643
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. Larry Grillo 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.