Dr. Stephen Scher, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Boca Raton, Florida, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Scher understands the unique oral health needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing the vital link between oral health and overall well-being.
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. Scher's approach to care is built on a foundation of collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (561) 393-8250 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Stephen Scher, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Boca Raton, FL, and provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Stephen Scher is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stephen Scher is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, addressing not only oral health concerns like dry mouth and gum disease but also the crucial link between oral and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes open communication, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and a focus on creating personalized strategies to maintain optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephen Scher can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- SimplyBlue
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephen Scher 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:
- Occlusal Disease: Misaligned bites or uneven tooth wear, known as occlusal disease, can lead to discomfort and difficulty chewing; your dentist can create custom mouthguards or other solutions to alleviate these issues and improve your ability to eat.
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia is a harmless white patch on your tongue, often linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, that your dentist can easily monitor during regular checkups.
- Oral Motor Problems: If you're finding it hard to control your mouth muscles during eating or speaking, don't hesitate to see your dentistthey can evaluate the problem and offer tailored advice and treatments.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are a common dental issue that can affect anyone at any age, including seniors, however, early detection through regular dental visits allows for timely treatment, preventing more extensive damage and avoiding painful procedures later.
- Salivary Duct Stones: Just like kidney stones, salivary duct stones form in the salivary glands and can cause significant pain and swelling, often remedied by a dental professional.
- Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, can be treated with simple methods such as cleaning, medication, or even removal of the affected tooth to improve oral comfort and prevent further problems.
- Gum Cancer: Regular visits to your dentist for oral cancer screenings are vital, as early detection of gum cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes and your overall quality of life.
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. Stephen Scher offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hybridge Dental Implant: Hybridge implants offer a less invasive approach to replacing missing teeth, potentially reducing recovery time and discomfort for seniors.
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPD): As part of a comprehensive care plan, removable partial dentures help manage the loss of teeth, improving a senior's overall quality of life and nutritional intake.
- Dental Bridge Adjustment: Adjusting your dental bridge helps maintain its proper alignment and bite, supporting healthy chewing and speech.
- 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.
- Biopsy: To create a complete and accurate care plan, your dentist may recommend a biopsy to examine a suspicious area in your mouth for signs of disease.
- Frenectomy: A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure to remove a piece of tissue (frenulum) that may be restricting lip or tongue movement, improving comfort and speech.
- Prophy Jet Air Polishing: For seniors with sensitive teeth or those who find traditional cleaning abrasive, Prophy Jet offers a gentler, more effective way to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
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. Stephen Scher 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:
- With custom mouthguards, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite crunchy snacks again without jaw pain, improving their overall well-being.
- With regular dental checkups and careful monitoring, a senior felt more confident about their oral health, enabling them to enjoy their favorite meals without discomfort.
- After struggling with difficulty chewing and speaking, a senior felt a renewed sense of independence and confidence when a dentist provided personalized guidance and treatments for their oral motor problems. The family was relieved to see their loved one regain the ability to enjoy meals and conversations with greater ease.
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. Stephen Scher:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health, including your heart. 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 crucial 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, 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. Scher can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, 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 palate, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- 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 more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, which exposes the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Scher can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or evaluate for other potential causes like cavities or cracked teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Scher's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine exam. He visually inspects the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feels the jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- 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 even a full denture and preventing slipping. They are a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- 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. Scher can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
6877 SW 18th St Ste H120
Boca Raton FL 33433
Phone: (561) 393-8250
Dr. Stephen Scher, 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): 1023235967
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. Stephen Scher 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.