Dr. Richard Takeshita, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Homestead, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice focuses on the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes managing age-related dental issues such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being.
Dr. Richard Takeshita, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Homestead, FL, committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care within a supportive environment. He strives to partner with his patients and their families, ensuring they feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. His approach emphasizes collaboration and a deep understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities that come with aging. Prospective patients should call (305) 248-3961 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Richard Takeshita provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Takeshita is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Takeshita is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of aging adults, addressing concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal overall well-being. His approach prioritizes personalized care, focusing on each patient's specific needs and goals to maximize comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Takeshita 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 Takeshita 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:
- Orofacial Infection: Sometimes, an injury to your mouth or face can lead to an infection requiring prompt dental care, so it's important to seek professional help to prevent further complications and regain oral comfort, which is essential for maintaining your overall independence.
- Thrush: If you have thrush, don't suffer in silence. Your dentist can diagnose and treat this fungal infection, helping you enjoy eating and speaking more easily.
- Infected Tooth Pulp: An infected tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, causes severe toothache and needs prompt dental care to prevent further complications and discomfort.
- Crooked Teeth: While crooked teeth may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, they can also increase your risk of dental problems later in life; your dentist can discuss various treatment plans to improve both the look and the health of your teeth.
- Sleep Apnea: If you snore loudly and feel tired during the day, you might have sleep apnea, a condition your dentist can help diagnose and treat with a custom-fitted oral device.
- Broken Dental Appliance: If a crown, bridge, or denture breaks, it can affect your chewing and speech. Your dentist can repair or replace the appliance, improving your quality of life and making daily activities easier.
- Misaligned Teeth: Misaligned teeth, or malocclusion, can make chewing and speaking more difficult, but a dentist can help improve comfort and function with braces, aligners, or other solutions.
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 Takeshita offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Laser Procedure: A dental laser can help your dentist diagnose and treat small lesions in the mouth, providing early detection of potential problems.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: This sedation technique assists your dentist in providing comprehensive care by facilitating longer and more complex treatments that may be necessary due to age-related oral health changes.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Regular non-surgical gum treatments help detect gum problems early, allowing for less invasive and more effective solutions.
- Frenectomy: During a routine dental exam, your dentist might recommend a frenectomy to correct a frenulum that's interfering with proper jaw development or tooth alignment.
- Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleanings are a key part of your overall health plan, allowing your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
- Orthognathic Surgery: Orthognathic surgery is a way to manage severe jaw misalignments that can impact not only the teeth, but also the airway, and overall facial structure, making it an integral part of your overall well-being.
- Arestin Therapy: To enhance the success of your periodontal treatment, your dentist may recommend Arestin, a localized antibiotic that helps reduce bacteria and improve the healing process.
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 Takeshita 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:
- After experiencing a painful orofacial infection, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of knitting, finding comfort and renewed independence in their daily routine.
- A senior citizen, previously struggling with the discomfort of thrush, found significant relief after seeing a dentist. They were able to enjoy their favorite foods and conversations more easily, regaining a sense of comfort and enjoyment in everyday life.
- A senior, plagued by a severe toothache, found relief from an infected tooth pulp, enabling her to enjoy her favorite evening meals with her family again, without the constant 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
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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 Takeshita:
- 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 and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is vital for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums 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. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Takeshita 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, and vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Takeshita 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.
- 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.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to become loose. 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 crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- 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. Takeshita can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- 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 full dentures, and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
809 NE 4th Ave
Homestead FL 33030
Phone: (305) 248-3961
Dr. Richard Takeshita, 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): 1811048986
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 Takeshita 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.