Dr. Richard Salko, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Salko understands the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that oral health is inextricably linked 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. Salko is committed to this collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (904) 997-1177 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Richard Salko, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Salko's commitment to his patients extends to providing consultations primarily in English. He is dedicated to ensuring that every patient receives the personalized care they deserve, understanding the unique health challenges and needs of older adults.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Salko is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Richard Salko is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He meticulously addresses age-related oral concerns like dry mouth and gum disease, while collaborating closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to overall well-being. His dedication extends to understanding each patient's individual circumstances and goals, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Salko 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 Salko 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:
- 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: Addressing dental disorders helps prevent infections and complications that can lead to further health problems, ensuring you can maintain your independence and enjoy your favorite foods.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, happens when bacteria in your mouth create acids that damage your tooth enamel, leading to holes in your teeth that can cause pain and discomfort, but regular dental checkups and treatments can prevent further damage and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Toothache: A toothache can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to enjoy meals and even sleep. Your dentist is the best resource for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause, helping you regain comfort and confidence.
- Receding Gums: As gums recede, they can leave your teeth looking longer and increase your risk of gum disease and tooth loss; however, your dentist can help manage this through treatment and careful oral hygiene.
- Halitosis (Bad Breath): Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common issue that can be easily addressed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, improving confidence and social interactions.
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 Salko offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Cleaning: A professional dental cleaning helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing your risk of infections that can impact your overall well-being.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Regular oral cancer screenings are a proactive step in managing your oral health and contribute to a comprehensive care plan that helps prevent or early detect serious conditions.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are a removable solution for managing missing teeth, allowing your dentist to monitor the health of your remaining teeth and gums.
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPD): Your dentist uses removable partial dentures to address missing teeth, improving chewing and speech while also supporting the remaining natural teeth and preventing further tooth loss.
- Bone Regeneration Procedure: This procedure stimulates bone growth in the jaw, improving the success rate of dental implants and restoring your ability to chew and smile confidently.
- Dental Procedure: Regular dental procedures are a crucial part of a comprehensive health plan for seniors, ensuring your mouth stays healthy and comfortable.
- Microscope-Aided Endodontic Treatment: Microscope-aided endodontic treatment uses magnification to help your dentist precisely diagnose and treat problems inside your teeth, like infections in the nerve or root canal, preserving your natural teeth for longer.
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 Salko 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, once hesitant to smile due to tooth pain, now confidently enjoyed her favorite meals and conversations with family, thanks to a dentist's skilled cavity treatment.
- A senior citizen, previously hesitant to eat crunchy foods due to a chipped tooth, found renewed enjoyment in her favorite fruit salad after a simple dental procedure. Her smile and overall well-being improved significantly.
- With improved oral health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, savoring the familiar flavors of their favorite foods without 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. Richard Salko:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene 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 is essential for maintaining not just healthy teeth, but also 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 is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Salko can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect 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 significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing 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 cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Also gently brush your gums, tongue, and mouth roof, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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. Salko will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for any lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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 dentures, preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, whereas a partial denture is taken out for cleaning.
- 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 (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Salko can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
7711 Baymeadows Rd E Ste 1
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 997-1177
Dr. Richard Salko, 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): 1992978092
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 Salko 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.