Dr. Richard Morales, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, at his clinic in Coral Gables, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care, creating a supportive environment for patients and their families. Dr. Morales is currently welcoming new patients; please call (305) 661-8240 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Richard Morales, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Coral Gables, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida / College of Dentistry in 1995 and completed an internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center Miami Beach in 1996. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2005. With this extensive and dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center and is accepting new patients. Dr. Morales offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Morales is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Morales is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, addressing not only the immediate dental concerns but also the impact of oral health on overall well-being. His expertise encompasses the management of age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, ensuring optimal oral health and collaborating with other healthcare providers for a coordinated approach to care, ultimately maximizing comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Morales can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Morales 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:
- Broken Tooth: If you have a broken tooth, it's crucial to see your dentist quickly to prevent infection and further damage. They can provide appropriate treatment, such as a filling or more extensive repair, to maintain your oral health.
- Cavity: If you experience tooth sensitivity or pain, it may indicate a cavity; your dentist will assess and restore the tooth to its function and prevent further complications.
- Chipped Tooth: Don't let a chipped tooth cause you pain or affect your ability to eat; a simple dental visit can often fix it with a filling, veneer, or crown, improving your quality of life.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders can sometimes cause pain or discomfort, making it challenging to eat properly and affecting your nutrition; proactive dental care can alleviate these issues.
- 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.
- Loose Teeth: Having loose teeth can be unsettling, but your dentist can diagnose the underlying issue and offer various treatments, such as splinting or replacement, to improve your oral health and well-being.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection that can affect your ability to eat and sleep comfortably; timely treatment from your dentist will greatly improve your quality of life.
- Tooth Damage: Protecting your teeth from further damage is crucial for maintaining your independence and quality of life; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment are key.
- Tooth Decay: As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to decay, but with prompt treatment from your dentist, such as fillings or crowns, you can preserve your natural teeth and continue to eat and smile with confidence.
- Tooth Discoloration: Stains or discoloration on your teeth may affect how you feel about your smile. A visit to your dentist can reveal the cause and explore various solutions, such as bleaching or bonding, to improve your confidence and overall well-being.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss, a common concern as we age, can be managed effectively with various replacement options like dentures, bridges, or implants, improving chewing, speaking, and overall confidence.
- Toothache: That nagging toothache can make eating and sleeping difficult. Your dentist can diagnose the problem, such as a cracked tooth or abscess, and offer solutions to restore your oral health 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. Richard Morales offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Crown: To protect a weakened tooth from further damage and prevent future dental problems, your dentist might recommend a dental crown as part of your comprehensive care plan.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge acts as a supportive solution in your care journey, replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile's natural appearance and function.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers offer a way to reshape and improve the appearance of teeth, helping you feel more comfortable and confident in your smile as part of your aging journey.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions help remove problematic teeth that may be causing pain, infection, or impacting the health of surrounding teeth, thus improving overall oral health.
- Teeth Scaling: As part of a comprehensive oral health plan, teeth scaling contributes to managing gum inflammation and preventing tooth loss.
- 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.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures address tooth loss, a common issue in seniors, allowing for easier eating and a healthier diet, contributing to their well-being.
- Dental Bonding: To enhance the longevity of your natural teeth, bonding can be used to cover minor imperfections and strengthen weakened tooth enamel.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
- Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital part of preserving your natural teeth, preventing the need for more extensive procedures like extractions.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning is a more effective way to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, especially important for seniors who may have difficulty with traditional cleaning methods.
- Lower Dentures: A well-fitting set of lower dentures is part of a comprehensive dental care plan, helping maintain oral health and overall well-being.
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 Morales 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:
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to smile due to a broken tooth, regained her confidence and enjoyed laughing freely with her grandchildren after a restorative dental procedure.
- Concerned about persistent tooth pain, a senior was relieved to find that a dental procedure successfully restored a damaged tooth, allowing them to once again enjoy their favorite crunchy snacks.
- A senior citizen, who had been experiencing discomfort and difficulty eating due to a chipped tooth, found significant relief after a simple dental visit. With a filling, the patient could once again enjoy their favorite foods and smile confidently.
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 Morales:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Morales's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and systemic health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness, not just for healthy teeth and gums.
- 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 the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Morales can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to help manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Morales can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other problems like cavities or cracked teeth.
- 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 that clips onto existing teeth. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap, filling the space with a false tooth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that fills in the gaps of one or more missing teeth.
- 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. Dr. Morales can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to address this.
- 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 non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth gently, and 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 are a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or full dentures and 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?
- Dr. Morales and his team understand that dentures can become loose over time as the jawbone and gums change shape. Common solutions include relining the denture to reshape the fit or creating a new denture if needed. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
1430 S Dixie Hwy Ste 312
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 661-8240
Dr. Richard Morales, 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): 1750431771
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 Morales 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.