Dr. Richard Wood, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Dental care for older adults at Heartland Complete Care Dentistry in Avon Park, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to serving the needs of his patients aged 65 and older. 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. Wood is currently welcoming new patients and invites them to call (863) 453-3258 to schedule an appointment.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Dental care, Dr. Wood brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida, College of Dentistry in 1992, and completed a General Practice Residency at University Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of individuals 65 years and older. His commitment to excellence extends beyond formal training; he completed advanced fellowship training at the Dawson Academy, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. Dr. Wood firmly believes in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Wood is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Wood is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging patients, addressing not only immediate dental concerns but also the impact of oral health on overall well-being. His approach prioritizes managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and he collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and coordinated plan of care, maximizing comfort and independence for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Wood 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 Wood 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: A chipped or fractured tooth can affect your confidence and eating habits; however, a dentist can effectively repair the damage, restoring both your smile and your ability to eat comfortably.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a wide range of issues affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth, and regular dental checkups help detect and manage them effectively, improving your comfort and ability to eat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tooth Abscess: If you have a throbbing toothache and swelling, it could be a tooth abscess, a condition that a dentist can address with treatments like antibiotics and potentially a root canal to save your tooth or an extraction if necessary.
- 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: Untreated tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems like infections or tooth loss, negatively affecting your ability to eat and speak clearly. Regular dental care will help prevent such issues and keep you healthy and independent.
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 Wood offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Root Planing: Root planing is an important step in creating a long-term dental care plan, addressing gum disease, a condition that can affect your overall health and well-being.
- 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.
- Teeth Whitening: Incorporating teeth whitening into your dental care can help you maintain a beautiful smile throughout your senior years.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are removable replacements for missing upper teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall comfort for seniors.
- Lower Dentures: Getting fitted for lower dentures can help restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain a healthy diet.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical methods can reverse early gum disease, keeping your teeth strong and your smile healthy for years to come.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoration of dental implants helps preserve your smile and confidence, allowing you to enjoy eating and social interactions without discomfort.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic dental cleaning uses high-frequency vibrations to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, helping prevent gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for repairing decayed or damaged teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of missing teeth; it improves speech, prevents jawbone deterioration, and enhances your overall confidence.
- Dental Crown: As part of your ongoing dental care, a crown can effectively restore a tooth's function and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on.
- Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling is a key part of your dental checkup, helping your dentist identify potential oral health problems early.
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 Wood 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 felt a renewed sense of confidence and comfort after a chipped tooth was expertly repaired. She could now enjoy her favorite foods without discomfort and smile freely again.
- With improved oral health, a senior couple regained the joy of savoring meals together, a cherished family tradition. Their ability to eat a wider variety of foods increased, bringing them renewed zest for life.
- After regular dental checkups and improved oral hygiene, a senior woman experienced less gum bleeding and swelling, allowing her to confidently enjoy her favorite meals and smile with greater 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
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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 Wood:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Regular dental care is crucial for overall health, not just for your teeth. 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. Maintaining good oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining your overall wellness.
- 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. Wood can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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 (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Dr. Wood 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. Also, gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth. 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 provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or denture, preventing slipping and restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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 severely damaged, cracked, or after a root canal, to provide extra strength and protection.
- 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. Wood 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.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- As we age, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. We can often reline the existing denture to create a snugger fit, or if the denture is significantly worn, a new one may be necessary. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
Heartland Complete Care Dentistry
1100 W Stryker Rd
Avon Park FL 33825
Phone: (863) 453-3258
Dr. Richard Wood, 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): 1467589937
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 Wood 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.