Dr. Lars Berk, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, at his clinic in Brooksville, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Berk is committed to understanding his patients' individual needs and providing personalized care, striving for continuous improvement in his technical skills and professional relationships. He completed a rigorous two-year post-graduate continuing education course at the University of Florida, earning him eligibility for the Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship and Mastership designation. This program, led by renowned clinicians, provided extensive clinical training, building on foundational skills and advancing to mastery of complex care. Dr. Berk is also certified in Conscious (IV) Sedation for adults and children, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida, and his background includes a B.S. in Microbiology and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the same institution. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Berk welcomes new patients and encourages them to call (352) 593-0545 to schedule an appointment. Consultations are primarily offered in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Lars Berk is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Berk acts as a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to their specific needs. He understands the unique oral health challenges of aging, proactively managing conditions like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to well-being. His dedication to person-centered care emphasizes understanding individual goals and creating a supportive plan that promotes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Lars Berk 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
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- 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
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Lars Berk 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:
- Receding Gums: As gums recede, they can leave your teeth looking longer and increase your risk of gum disease and tooth loss; however, your dentist can help manage this through treatment and careful oral hygiene.
- Dislocated Jaw: If you've suffered a jaw injury or feel your jaw is 'out of place', it could be dislocated. Your dentist can skillfully relocate the jaw and advise on preventing future occurrences, helping maintain your independence.
- Oral Pharyngeal Disorders: Oral pharyngeal disorders affect the mouth and throat, making it harder to eat, swallow, or speak, but with proper treatment from a healthcare professional, many individuals can improve their ability to enjoy meals and maintain their independence.
- Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth might be concerning, but many effective treatments are available. Your dentist can determine the source of the discoloration and recommend a personalized plan to restore the appearance of your teeth and improve your self-esteem.
- Herpes Stomatitis: If you have recurring outbreaks of herpes stomatitis, your dentist can discuss strategies for managing them and reducing the frequency and severity of future episodes.
- Hypodontia: Hypodontia means you were born without some of your adult teeth, but don't worry! Your dentist can work with you to find suitable replacement options for a healthy, confident smile.
- Dental Injury: Falls or accidents can cause dental injuries in older adults, but prompt treatment from your dentist can minimize pain and prevent infection, helping you maintain your independence and overall well-being.
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. Lars Berk offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment: To help preserve your natural teeth, your dentist may recommend silver diamine fluoride treatment, a safe and effective way to manage early-stage cavities without the need for fillings.
- Root Canal: If you have a tooth with significant decay or injury, a root canal can be a key component of your comprehensive dental care plan to address pain and maintain oral health.
- Oral Surgical Procedures: Oral surgical procedures help address complex dental issues, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth or repairing jawbone fractures, improving your overall oral health and comfort.
- Denture Impression: This initial step involves a denture impression to accurately capture the shape of your mouth, leading to dentures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Endodontic Retreatment: For seniors with existing root canals, retreatment provides a second chance to preserve their natural teeth and maintain a healthy smile, reducing the need for tooth extraction.
- Apicoectomy: As part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a severely infected tooth, your dentist might recommend an apicoectomy to prevent further damage and preserve your smile.
- Composite Fillings: During a routine checkup, your dentist may recommend composite fillings to address minor cavities and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later.
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. Lars Berk 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 receding gums, a senior felt more confident smiling and enjoying meals with family. Improved oral hygiene and professional care helped them maintain their teeth and enjoy their favorite activities without discomfort.
- After a dislocated jaw, a senior citizen felt immediate relief and regained the ability to enjoy their favorite meals and conversations with family, improving their overall well-being.
- After receiving expert guidance from a knowledgeable professional, a senior couple felt renewed confidence in their ability to enjoy meals together, a cherished family tradition. Their previously troublesome oral pharyngeal issues were significantly reduced, allowing them to relish meals and maintain their independence.
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. Lars Berk:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- The health of your mouth is directly connected to your overall well-being, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is vital for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums 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 is 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. Berk 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 your jawbone and gums over time can sometimes cause dentures to loosen. We can often reline the denture to create a better fit, or make a new one if necessary. A good fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and a 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.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Berk's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine exam. He 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 crucial for successful treatment.
- 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. Dr. Berk can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- 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 even full dentures, preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
17040 Ayers Rd
Brooksville FL 34604
Phone: (352) 593-0545
Dr. Lars Berk, 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): 1336251487
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. Lars Berk 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.