Dr. Laurence I, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Wellington, FL. He is deeply committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care specifically for older adults, 65 years and older. Dr. Laurence I is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring his patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. He understands the unique dental needs of seniors, recognizing that oral health is integral 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. Laurence Grayhills I, DMD is dedicated to this collaborative approach, working with patients and their families to develop personalized treatment plans. He prioritizes a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (561) 798-1600 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Laurence I provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Laurence I is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Laurence I is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal overall well-being. His approach prioritizes the individual needs and goals of each patient, fostering a trusting relationship built on personalized care and proactive management of dental health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Laurence I 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. Laurence I 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:
- Cleft Lip: Although a cleft lip is typically addressed early in life, ongoing dental care is important for those with this condition to maintain oral health and prevent complications as they age.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often leading to daytime fatigue and impacting quality of life, but thankfully, treatments like CPAP machines or oral appliances can help.
- Crossbite: A crossbite is a misalignment where your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth, potentially causing jaw pain and trouble chewing; gentle adjustments can often restore proper alignment and make eating more enjoyable.
- Gum Disease: Experiencing bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath could be signs of gum disease; seeking prompt professional care from your dentist allows for early intervention and preservation of your teeth.
- Leukoplakia: Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly are crucial for managing leukoplakia and reducing potential complications, safeguarding your comfort and oral well-being.
- Broken Dental Appliance: A broken dental appliance, like a denture or crown, can cause discomfort and make eating difficult, but your dentist can quickly repair or replace it, restoring your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your independence.
- Pericoronitis: Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can help prevent or quickly address pericoronitis, reducing the risk of severe complications and ensuring your oral health stays on track.
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. Laurence I offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Teeth Polishing: Teeth polishing enhances the effectiveness of fluoride treatments, offering additional protection against tooth decay as part of your comprehensive dental plan.
- 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.
- Dental Implant: If you're dealing with missing teeth, dental implants can be incorporated into your comprehensive dental care plan to restore your smile, improve your bite, and prevent further oral health problems.
- DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detection: As part of your routine dental checkup, DIAGNOdent helps your dentist detect hidden cavities, ensuring you receive timely treatment to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Cerec Tooth Restoration Procedure: By using CEREC, your dentist can provide a more precise and aesthetically pleasing restoration, improving your smile and confidence.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: This procedure helps diagnose and treat advanced gum disease by surgically reducing the pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to better long-term oral health.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: As part of your senior care, full mouth reconstruction helps rebuild severely damaged or missing teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and your overall confidence.
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. Laurence I 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:
- With improved oral health thanks to regular checkups, a senior felt more confident smiling and eating their favorite foods, enhancing their social life.
- A senior couple found relief from the daytime fatigue and irritability associated with obstructive sleep apnea, allowing them to enjoy evening walks together again, a cherished activity they'd missed.
- After years of discomfort chewing, a senior was thrilled to regain the ability to enjoy crunchy vegetables again, thanks to gentle adjustments by a general dentist. The family also felt a sense of relief knowing their loved one could more easily eat and maintain a healthy diet.
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. Laurence I:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining healthy teeth and gums 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 care isn't just about your teeth; it's essential for your overall 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 cavities and gum disease. Saliva is your body's natural defense against these problems. Dr. Laurence I. 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 cause dentures to loosen. A reline to reshape the denture's underside for a better fit, or a new denture if necessary, can restore a comfortable and secure fit. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth.
- 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 like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are needed when a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal to provide extra strength and protection.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after each meal. 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 as well. 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 crowns, bridges, or even full dentures and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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, which lacks protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Laurence I. can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
250 Professional Way
Wellington FL 33414
Phone: (561) 798-1600
Dr. Laurence I, 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): 1033265442
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. Laurence I 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.