Dr. Richard Stevenson, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Stevenson understands the unique oral health needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. He is committed to managing age-related dental issues, such as dry mouth and gum disease, while collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being.
Dr. Stevenson's approach to care emphasizes a collaborative and evidence-based model, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He strives to address the specific needs of seniors with a focus on providing high-quality, personalized dental care. As a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Richard Stevenson is accepting new patients. Please call (904) 281-2566 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Stevenson provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Stevenson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stevenson is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of aging adults. He understands the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, proactively managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease. His commitment extends beyond the examination chair, fostering collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and personalized approach to care, maximizing comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Stevenson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Stevenson 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:
- Impacted Teeth: As we get older, impacted teeth can cause problems like jaw pain or infections. Fortunately, your dentist can evaluate your impacted tooth and determine the most suitable treatment plan such as removal to minimize discomfort and maintain good oral health.
- Edentulism (Toothlessness): If you've lost all your teeth, you're not alone. Edentulism is manageable; your dentist can help you explore different options like dentures or implants to restore your smile and improve your overall health and happiness.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): Having too much gum showing while smiling can be easily addressed with a consultation and minor dental procedures; it's a simple way to improve your smile's aesthetics and boost your confidence.
- Mouth Conditions: From simple toothaches to more complex problems like dentures that don't fit well, various mouth conditions can impact daily life; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and treatment to maintain oral health and reduce discomfort.
- Plaque: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth, and regular brushing and flossing help remove it to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Overbite: Overbite, where your top teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth, can sometimes make chewing difficult, but dentists offer solutions like braces or other appliances to create a more comfortable bite.
- 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.
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 Stevenson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Onlay: For seniors experiencing extensive tooth decay or damage, a dental onlay offers a more robust solution than a simple filling, restoring both function and aesthetics.
- Limited Gum Surgery: This procedure can help manage gum disease by removing infected tissue, promoting healthier gums and preserving your teeth.
- Infuse Bone Graft: As part of a comprehensive treatment plan for tooth loss, an infused bone graft can help restore jawbone structure, making it possible to receive dental implants.
- 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.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening helps remove stains and discoloration, revealing a healthier-looking smile and contributing to improved oral hygiene.
- Root Canal: As part of your ongoing dental health, a root canal can address severe toothaches and restore a tooth's function, helping you eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Molar Endodontics: Molar endodontics is a key part of preventing the spread of infection from a damaged molar to other teeth or parts of your body, protecting your overall health.
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 Stevenson 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 citizen's jaw pain significantly decreased after impacted teeth were addressed, allowing them to enjoy their favorite pastime of chewing gum again without discomfort. The family felt relieved knowing their loved one could better manage their oral health and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
- With a new set of dentures, a senior citizen rediscovered the joy of eating a wide variety of foods, boosting their nutrition and overall well-being.
- A senior felt a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem after a simple consultation and minor dental procedures addressed their gummy smile, allowing them to smile freely and enjoy social gatherings with renewed comfort.
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 Stevenson:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Stevenson's practice emphasizes the critical connection 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 vital, not just for healthy teeth, but for maintaining 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 dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Stevenson can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Stevenson's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum tissue over time can loosen dentures. A relining procedure can reshape the underside of the denture for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the existing one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance permanently cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your existing 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. Stevenson 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 when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Dr. Stevenson 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 properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth as well, 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 a crown, bridge, or full denture and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
6851 Belfort Oaks Pl
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 281-2566
Dr. Richard Stevenson, 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): 1992878995
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 Stevenson 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.