Dr. Lawrence Sutton, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Ocala, 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), ensuring patients receive the highest quality care within the legal and ethical framework of Florida's dental regulations. 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. Sutton specifically serves patients 65 years and older, and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (352) 620-0094 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Lawrence Sutton, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Ocala, FL, with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1995 and, following medical school, undertook residency training in General Dentists at Vamc/Univerity Of Florida (graduated 1996), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of 65 years and older. His commitment to ongoing professional development is evident in his subsequent fellowship training, including Fellow Of The Academy Of General Dentistry, Fellow Of The International College Of Dentists (graduated 2012), and Fellow Of The American College Of Dentists (graduated 2010). With this extensive training and experience, Dr. Sutton brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families.
Dr. Sutton believes and practices Comprehensive Dentistry. Most dental problems can be handled in his office, accommodating most patient needs. His services include Exams and Treatment Plans, Porcelain Restorations, Veneers, Implants, Dentures, Root Canals, Extractions, Routine Cleanings, and Gum Issues. His ultra-modern dental office offers treatments such as Smile Makeovers, Invisalign Invisible braces, and Bleaching Options. Dr. Lawrence Sutton provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Lawrence Sutton is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Sutton is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He recognizes the crucial link between oral health and overall well-being, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach. His personalized care focuses on understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for optimal oral health and comfort.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Lawrence Sutton can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Lawrence Sutton 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:
- Edentulism (Toothlessness): Losing all your teeth affects more than just your smile; it can make eating challenging and even affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, your dentist can create a personalized plan to replace missing teeth and improve your comfort and well-being.
- Overbite: An overbite happens when your upper front teeth significantly overlap your lower front teeth, and a dentist can help adjust this with braces or other treatments to improve your bite and chewing.
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? Don't suffer in silence; a prompt visit to your dentist can identify the cause whether it's a cavity, gum disease, or something else and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis, a common gum problem, causes redness, swelling, and sometimes bleeding in your gums; regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can prevent it from worsening.
- Jaw Cyst: If you experience jaw pain or swelling, it could be due to a jaw cyst, a treatable condition your dentist can address to maintain your overall well-being.
- Oral Motor Problems: Oral motor problems, such as difficulty chewing or swallowing, can make eating less enjoyable and even impact overall nutrition, but your dentist can help find ways to manage these challenges and improve your mealtimes.
- Tartar Buildup: Tartar buildup is a common dental issue where mineralized plaque hardens on your teeth, potentially causing gum problems; professional cleanings from your dentist remove this to prevent further issues.
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. Lawrence Sutton offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Composite Fillings: A comprehensive approach to senior dental care often includes composite fillings as a way to preserve natural teeth and maintain oral health for years to come.
- Upper Dentures: For seniors with missing upper teeth, dentures help maintain facial structure and improve self-esteem, playing an essential role in their overall health journey.
- Extraction of Wisdom Tooth: Removing a wisdom tooth prevents potential future dental issues like crowding, damage to adjacent teeth, or cysts, contributing to a proactive dental care plan.
- Dental Bridge: To maintain your oral health, a dental bridge helps restore chewing ability and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, enhancing both function and aesthetics.
- Molar Endodontics: To maintain your chewing ability and smile, molar endodontics offers a way to repair and preserve damaged molars instead of losing them, aiding in a healthy aging process.
- Dental Bonding: As part of your overall dental care, bonding helps to restore the integrity of a tooth, protecting it from further damage and potential infection.
- Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are a practical solution to replace missing teeth and help maintain a confident smile and improved self-esteem in later life.
- Root Planing: Root planing is an important step in creating a long-term dental care plan, addressing gum disease, a condition that can affect your overall health and well-being.
- Dental Inlays: Dental inlays are custom-made fillings that help restore damaged teeth, ensuring a strong and healthy bite for seniors.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical gum treatment helps identify and manage gum disease, a common problem for seniors that can impact overall health.
- Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling is a key part of your dental checkup, helping your dentist identify potential oral health problems early.
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. Lawrence Sutton 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 struggling with toothlessness, a senior citizen rediscovered the joy of eating a variety of foods, boosting their overall health and well-being.
- With an improved bite, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite foods again without discomfort, regaining a feeling of confidence and ease in their daily life.
- A senior citizen, plagued by a persistent toothache, found relief and a renewed ability to enjoy their favorite meals after a visit to a general dentist. The family was grateful for the swift treatment and the dentist's helpful explanation of how to prevent future discomfort.
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. Lawrence Sutton:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Sutton's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly managed diabetes. Regular dental care is vital for maintaining overall health and wellness, not just healthy teeth.
- 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 significant dental concern. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Sutton can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 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.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. We can reline the existing denture to create a tighter fit, or make a new one if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Sutton can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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, providing extra strength and protection.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap, filling the space with a false tooth. A partial denture clips onto existing teeth to replace one or more missing teeth.
2825 SE 17th St
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 620-0094
Dr. Lawrence Sutton, 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): 1063567949
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. Lawrence Sutton 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.