Dr. Robert Gehrig, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Fort Pierce, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to the standards outlined in Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Gehrig 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 expertly manages age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (772) 465-4545.
Robert "Bob" D. Gehrig, DMD, FAGD, FACD, has been serving the Fort Pierce community since 1981. His practice is built on a foundation of personalized service, empowering patients with the confidence they deserve in the care they receive. He is married to Grisel Perez-Gehrig, and together they have a close-knit family with multiple children and grandchildren. In his free time, Dr. Gehrig enjoys RV travel, astronomy, fishing, gardening, and reading, particularly historical fiction, science fiction, westerns, and detective novels. While Dr. Gehrig's practice primarily focuses on English consultations, he strives to provide exceptional care to each patient.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Robert Gehrig is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gehrig is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care with a compassionate touch. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal overall well-being. His approach prioritizes the individual needs and goals of each patient, fostering a trusting relationship built on open communication and personalized care plans.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Gehrig can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- Principal Financial Group
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Gehrig 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:
- Mouth Conditions: Addressing mouth conditions, whether it's preventing gum disease, fixing a chipped tooth, or getting fitted for dentures, is about more than just aesthetics; it's about ensuring you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence and comfort.
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? Don't suffer in silence; a prompt visit to your dentist can identify the cause whether it's a cavity, gum disease, or something else and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
- Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral health is crucial for seniors as it significantly affects overall well-being, and addressing dental disorders can improve your diet, confidence, and overall quality of life.
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess in your tooth is a serious infection that causes a pocket of pus to form, and it needs attention from your dentist to avoid spreading and causing more discomfort.
- Tooth Decay: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, are essential steps to prevent tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile throughout your golden years.
- Tooth Loss: Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and quality of life, but advancements in dental technology provide safe and effective solutions to replace them and improve your oral health and overall well-being.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: A bad taste in the mouth can be more than just annoying; it can sometimes signal a health concern. Your dentist can perform a thorough examination and help resolve the issue, improving your quality of life.
- Chipped Tooth: A small chip in your tooth might seem minor, but addressing it promptly helps prevent infection, discomfort, and potential problems down the line, ensuring you maintain your independence.
- Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth might be concerning, but many effective treatments are available. Your dentist can determine the source of the discoloration and recommend a personalized plan to restore the appearance of your teeth and improve your self-esteem.
- Dental Injury: A dental injury, such as a chipped tooth or broken denture, can be painful and affect your ability to eat comfortably, but your dentist can repair or replace the damaged tooth or denture, restoring your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth, but with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene, it can often be managed effectively.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw joint? This could be TMJ, and your dentist can provide solutions like splints or other therapies to relieve pain and restore normal jaw function, making eating and speaking easier.
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. Robert Gehrig offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings, a type of tooth-colored filling, are a long-lasting solution to repair cavities and protect your teeth, helping maintain your overall oral health as you age.
- Dental Cleaning: Preventative dental cleanings help maintain a healthy mouth, enabling you to enjoy eating and smiling comfortably, enhancing your quality of life.
- Dental Crown: Dental crowns are a key restorative treatment used to manage severely damaged or decayed teeth, improving both your oral health and overall well-being.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services are essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, helping seniors maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a stable base for replacement teeth, improving chewing and speaking ability and boosting your confidence.
- Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the root to prevent further infection and pain.
- Teeth Extraction: Extracting a tooth can be part of a comprehensive care plan, addressing pain, infection, or preparing for dentures or implants.
- Teeth Whitening: While not always medically necessary, teeth whitening can be a valuable cosmetic procedure to enhance your self-esteem and overall oral health strategy.
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. Robert Gehrig 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, struggling with painful mouth sores, found significant relief after a consultation with a dentist, allowing her to enjoy her favorite meals again without discomfort. Her family was overjoyed by her improved quality of life.
- A senior woman, previously plagued by debilitating toothaches, found significant relief after a visit to the dentist, allowing her to enjoy her favorite foods again without discomfort. Her family was grateful for the improved quality of life.
- With improved oral health, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together, savoring each bite without discomfort. Their newfound confidence and ease in eating significantly boosted their overall well-being.
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. Robert Gehrig:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are therefore 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's a dental problem. Saliva is your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Gehrig 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 a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when the tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, causing dentures to loosen. We can often reline the underside of your dentures for a snugger fit, or create a new denture if the current one is very old or worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing tooth roots lacking enamel protection. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Gehrig can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the sensitivity.
- Are dental implants a safe and good option for older adults?
- Dental implants are often an excellent solution for seniors with sufficient jawbone health. They provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Gehrig 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.
- 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. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
1405 S 25th St Ste B
Fort Pierce FL 34947
Phone: (772) 465-4545
Dr. Robert Gehrig, 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): 1194808360
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. Robert Gehrig 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.