Dr. Richard Chichetti, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Recognizing the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, Dr. Chichetti understands that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes providing comprehensive oral care, effectively 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. Richard Chichetti, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Tallahassee, FL, committed to a patient-centered approach to care. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. His practice emphasizes evidence-based medicine and collaborative care. Prospective patients should call (850) 386-2400 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Chichetti provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Chichetti is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Richard Chichetti is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of aging adults. He understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, addressing age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care that prioritizes comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Chichetti 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. Richard Chichetti 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:
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): Excess gum tissue, sometimes called a gummy smile, can be reshaped through simple procedures like laser gum contouring, restoring a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Oral Infection: Keeping your mouth healthy is crucial as we age, and addressing an oral infection promptly prevents complications and maintains your ability to eat nutritious food.
- Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums, a common problem, often signals gum disease that can be managed with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, helping you keep your teeth and enjoy your favorite foods.
- Mouth Ulcer: Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, are small, painful sores that can make eating and talking difficult; your dentist can recommend treatments to ease discomfort and promote healing.
- Tartar Buildup: Tartar, or hardened plaque, is a buildup of bacteria and minerals that can irritate gums and lead to gum disease, but regular dental cleanings can easily remove it and keep your mouth healthy.
- Jaw Cyst: Jaw cysts, which are sacs of fluid, can cause discomfort and even affect nearby teeth, but your dentist can provide effective treatment to relieve symptoms.
- Loose Teeth: Experiencing loose teeth is common as we age, but with proper dental care, including potential stabilization or replacement, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods and maintaining a healthy smile.
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. Richard Chichetti offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Anesthesia: Using anesthesia allows dentists to perform more extensive procedures, such as complex extractions or implant placement, improving seniors' oral health.
- Restoring Teeth: By restoring damaged teeth, seniors can enjoy better comfort, improved confidence in their smile, and enhanced ability to eat a healthy diet.
- Cerec Tooth Restoration Procedure: This advanced procedure uses digital imaging to design and mill a custom-fit restoration for your tooth, making it stronger and healthier.
- Air Abrasion: As part of your comprehensive dental care, air abrasion can help your dentist precisely remove stains and surface discoloration for a brighter smile.
- Osseous Surgery: For seniors facing bone loss impacting their dentures or implants, osseous surgery can improve fit, comfort, and function, enhancing quality of life.
- Denture Consultation: A denture consultation allows your dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth and gums, checking for any signs of irritation or infection associated with denture use and to make recommendations for treatment.
- Recement of Permanent Crown: Recementing your crown is a simple procedure to restore a proper seal and prevent sensitivity or pain, improving your overall quality of life.
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. Richard Chichetti 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 a confident smile restored through laser gum contouring, a senior woman felt more comfortable at social gatherings, engaging in conversations with renewed zest.
- Grandma enjoyed a delicious meal with her family again, a simple pleasure restored after a general dentist helped manage her oral infection and reduce her pain. Her improved ability to eat nutritious foods boosted her overall well-being.
- A senior citizen, frustrated by the discomfort of bleeding gums, found relief through professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene. She was thrilled to enjoy her favorite foods again without the previous pain and embarrassment.
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. Richard Chichetti:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for preventing these systemic health issues.
- 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 dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Chichetti can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Chichetti 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 key to successful treatment.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive 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.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Chichetti can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- 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 denture to reshape the underside for a better fit, or create a new one if the current denture is significantly worn. A proper fit is important 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or full dentures and preventing slipping. This can greatly improve chewing ability and confidence.
- 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. Chichetti can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other potential issues.
1305 Thomaswood Dr
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 386-2400
Dr. Richard Chichetti, 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): 1497974554
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. Richard Chichetti 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.