Dr. Shepherd Frenchman, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Frenchman offers pain-free dentistry in a comfortable, non-threatening environment. With over 25 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine Degree (D.M.D.) from The University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1999, and further specialized through fellowship training in International Congress Of Oral Implantologist (2011). Dr. Frenchman is truly gifted in the art of patient comfort, approaching dentistry from an ethical and conservative perspective. He is kind, gentle, compassionate, and many patients refer their friends and family to him due to his gentle approach. He is a native Floridian, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of South Florida in 1995. He's currently welcoming new patients; please call (941) 755-6477 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Shepherd Frenchman offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Shepherd Frenchman is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Shepherd Frenchman is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible overall well-being. His approach prioritizes patient comfort and active participation in their care plan, creating a supportive environment for optimal oral and general health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Shepherd Frenchman can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- SimplyBlue
- United Concordia Dental
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Shepherd Frenchman 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: Cavities develop when bacteria break down tooth enamel, causing a small hole that can lead to toothache and potential infection if left untreated; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment keep your smile healthy.
- Chipped Tooth: Chipped teeth, especially if sharp edges are present, can cause irritation and discomfort while eating. Your dentist can smooth and repair the chip, making meals more enjoyable again.
- Dental Disorders: Dental disorders can sometimes cause pain or discomfort, making it challenging to eat properly and affecting your nutrition; proactive dental care can alleviate these issues.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where your gums become inflamed and may bleed easily, often manageable with improved brushing and flossing techniques.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection that can affect your ability to eat and sleep comfortably; timely treatment from your dentist will greatly improve your quality of life.
- Tooth Decay: As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to decay, but with prompt treatment from your dentist, such as fillings or crowns, you can preserve your natural teeth and continue to eat and smile with confidence.
- Tooth Demineralization: Demineralization is a process where teeth lose minerals, increasing the chance of decay; your dentist can identify this early and use treatments like fluoride to protect your teeth and maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss, a common concern as we age, can be managed effectively with various replacement options like dentures, bridges, or implants, improving chewing, speaking, and overall confidence.
- 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.
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. Shepherd Frenchman offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Porcelain Crown: For seniors, a porcelain crown can be a key component of a comprehensive care strategy, addressing tooth decay or damage to maintain oral function and overall well-being.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions help remove problematic teeth that may be causing pain, infection, or impacting the health of surrounding teeth, thus improving overall oral health.
- Dentures: Regular denture check-ups help identify and address potential issues like ill-fitting dentures, sores, or infections, ensuring oral health and comfort.
- Dental Bonding: As part of your overall dental care, bonding helps to restore the integrity of a tooth, protecting it from further damage and potential infection.
- Dental Inlays: A dental inlay is a strong, tooth-colored restoration that helps your dentist manage moderate tooth decay and maintain a beautiful smile.
- Composite Fillings: During a routine checkup, your dentist may recommend composite fillings to address minor cavities and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later.
- Porcelain Veneers: As a step in enhancing your smile and confidence, porcelain veneers can mask discoloration, chips, or gaps in your teeth, contributing to your overall well-being.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge acts as a supportive solution in your care journey, replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile's natural appearance and function.
- Denture Repair: As part of your comprehensive dental care, denture repair ensures your dentures remain effective for eating and speaking.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoration of dental implants helps preserve your smile and confidence, allowing you to enjoy eating and social interactions without discomfort.
- Dental Crown: If a filling isn't enough to repair a significantly damaged tooth, a crown provides a durable, long-lasting solution, ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
- Dental Implant: If you're dealing with missing teeth, dental implants can be incorporated into your comprehensive dental care plan to restore your smile, improve your bite, and prevent further oral health problems.
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. Shepherd Frenchman 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:
- Grandma beamed as she enjoyed her favorite crunchy apples again, a simple pleasure restored after a dentist's care addressed her toothache. The family felt a sense of relief knowing her smile and overall well-being were now secure.
- A senior citizen, previously uncomfortable eating certain foods due to a chipped tooth, enjoyed a renewed sense of comfort and ease after a simple repair. The family was relieved knowing their loved one could now fully enjoy their favorite meals again.
- Grandma enjoyed her morning coffee and toast again without the constant toothaches, a welcome improvement in her daily life after receiving personalized dental care. Her family was relieved to see her smile brighter and more comfortable.
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. Shepherd Frenchman:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining both your oral and overall health and 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. Shepherd Frenchman 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?
- As our jaws and gums change over time, dentures can become loose. A relining procedure can often reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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. Shepherd Frenchman can help create an effective and gentle home care routine to reverse this, often with a professional cleaning.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Shepherd Frenchman can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that might be causing the sensitivity.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture 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.
- 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. Shepherd Frenchman 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.
1805 Bayshore Gardens Pkwy
Bradenton FL 34207
Phone: (941) 755-6477
Dr. Shepherd Frenchman, 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): 1548327885
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. Shepherd Frenchman 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.