Dr. Richard Douglas, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Plantation, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in their health journey, Dr. Douglas understands the unique dental needs of seniors and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care.
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. Douglas's approach to care is centered on a collaborative, evidence-based model, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is committed to ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and the best possible dental care.
Dr. Richard Douglas, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Plantation, FL. He is accepting new patients and encourages those 65 years and older to call (954) 583-4447 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Douglas offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Douglas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Douglas is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to their specific needs. He understands the unique challenges of aging, proactively managing age-related oral health issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates seamlessly with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal overall well-being. His approach prioritizes comfort, addressing not just the immediate dental concerns, but also the broader impact on their overall health and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Douglas can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Dental
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
- Coventry Health Care
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- 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
- Wellpath Preferred PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Douglas 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:
- Lockjaw: Experiencing stiffness or pain that makes it hard to open your mouth? This could be lockjaw, which can be managed with medication and therapies to improve comfort and allow for better oral hygiene.
- Halitosis (Bad Breath): Don't let bad breath affect your self-esteem; it's often treatable, and a visit to the dentist can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Occlusal Disease: Experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or headaches might indicate occlusal disease, a condition affecting the way your teeth meet; with proper dental care and treatment, your dentist can help alleviate these issues, allowing you to eat and speak more comfortably.
- Cracked Tooth: Don't ignore a cracked toothprompt dental care can prevent infection, preserve your natural tooth, and improve your quality of life by reducing pain and allowing you to eat and speak with confidence.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: A persistent burning feeling in your mouth, even without visible sores, might be burning mouth syndrome, and your dentist plays a key role in diagnosing and treating it.
- Cold Sore: For older adults, cold sores can be particularly bothersome, but simple home care like applying ice and using lip balm can significantly ease symptoms and improve your overall comfort levels.
- Misshapen Teeth: Over time, teeth can become misshapen due to wear and tear; your dentist can evaluate and discuss options to restore their shape and function.
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 Douglas offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Osseous Surgery: This specialized surgical procedure helps to repair or regenerate bone structure in the mouth, supporting the long-term success of tooth replacements.
- Single Visit Root Canals: As part of a comprehensive dental plan, single-visit root canals are an effective way to manage and resolve significant tooth infections, keeping your mouth healthy for longer.
- Dental Infection Treatment: Prompt dental infection treatment helps relieve pain and discomfort, improving your quality of life as you age.
- Teeth Extraction: Extracting a tooth can be part of a comprehensive care plan, addressing pain, infection, or preparing for dentures or implants.
- Replacing Missing Teeth: A comprehensive dental care plan often includes replacing missing teeth to improve oral function and prevent jawbone loss.
- Lower Dentures: Regular check-ups and adjustments of your lower dentures are crucial for preventing discomfort and potential health issues.
- Dental Implant: As a crucial part of your overall dental health plan, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, helping to prevent jawbone deterioration and maintain facial 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. Richard Douglas 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 lockjaw symptoms significantly reduced, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite hobby of knitting again, without the discomfort interfering.
- A senior felt a renewed sense of confidence and comfort in social situations after addressing halitosis with the dentist's guidance, enabling them to enjoy family gatherings more fully.
- With jaw pain significantly reduced, an elderly woman regained her ability to enjoy crunchy vegetables, a cherished part of her 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. Richard Douglas:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Douglas's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and 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 is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums, but also 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's a significant dental concern. Saliva is your body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth greatly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Douglas 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 a crown, bridge, or even a full denture, 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?
- Over time, changes in jawbone and gum shape can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture base for a better fit, or a new denture may be needed if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 it with a false tooth. A partial denture clips onto existing teeth to replace one or more missing teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Douglas's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, yet vital part of your routine dental 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 key to successful treatment.
- 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, which can progress to periodontitis if not treated. Dr. Douglas can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner on all surfaces daily. Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth gently, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
660 N State Road 7 Ste 12
Plantation FL 33317
Phone: (954) 583-4447
Dr. Richard Douglas, 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): 1528220126
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 Douglas 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.