Dr. Timothy Whaley, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Ellenton, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Whaley is committed to partnering with seniors 65 years and older, understanding that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes providing essential oral care, addressing 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. Whaley's approach to care is rooted in a collaborative and evidence-based philosophy, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently accepting new patients and welcomes the opportunity to become a trusted partner in your senior's health journey. Please call (941) 479-7936 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Timothy Whaley, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Ellenton, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Whaley provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Timothy Whaley is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Timothy Whaley is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He recognizes the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, addressing age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes. Dr. Whaley prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, creating a personalized plan that promotes comfort, independence, and a positive quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Timothy Whaley can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Managed DentaGuard
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Timothy Whaley 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:
- Dental Spacing: If you've noticed increasing gaps between your teeth, it's a good idea to have your dentist assess them, as this can affect how well you eat and even your overall confidence; treatments like braces or partial dentures can address these issues.
- Open Bite: An open bite happens when your upper and lower teeth don't meet properly, leaving a space between them, which a dentist can help address to improve chewing and speech.
- Jaw Cyst: Jaw cysts, which are sacs of fluid, can cause discomfort and even affect nearby teeth, but your dentist can provide effective treatment to relieve symptoms.
- Jaw Tumor: Treatment for jaw tumors aims to remove the growth and restore the jaw's structure and function, which can improve eating, speaking, and overall well-being for seniors.
- Dental Trauma: Accidents happen, and a fall or bump can cause dental trauma. Thankfully, your dentist has the expertise to repair or replace damaged teeth, improving your smile and confidence.
- 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.
- Teething: If you experience pain or soreness related to dentures or other dental appliances, similar to the discomfort babies feel while teething, your dentist can examine the appliance and make necessary modifications.
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. Timothy Whaley offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Periodontal Exam: A comprehensive periodontal exam is vital for seniors as it helps prevent tooth loss and improves overall oral health, which is connected to overall well-being.
- Upper Dentures: Regular checkups and adjustments of upper dentures are crucial for preventing sores, infections, and ensuring a proper fit, supporting overall oral health.
- Cerec Tooth Restoration Procedure: CEREC technology allows your dentist to create and place a same-day crown or filling, minimizing discomfort and appointment time.
- Air Abrasion: Air abrasion can be a less invasive alternative to traditional dental drills for seniors, making it a more comfortable option for sensitive teeth.
- Porcelain Crown: To address a severely damaged or decayed tooth, a porcelain crown provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration, improving both your oral health and confidence.
- Biocon Dental Implants: As part of a comprehensive dental care plan, Biocon dental implants provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, improving both your oral health and overall well-being.
- Dentures: Dentures are a treatment option for missing teeth that can enhance your overall health and well-being, supporting your senior care journey.
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. Timothy Whaley 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 citizen, noticing increasing gaps between their teeth, sought professional guidance. With restorative dental work, they regained their confidence in smiling and enjoyed a renewed ability to eat their favorite foods without discomfort.
- After addressing her open bite, a woman found it easier to chew her favorite foods and felt more confident smiling at family gatherings.
- After careful treatment for a jaw cyst, a senior citizen regained the ability to comfortably eat her favorite foods, a joy she had been missing for months. Family members were relieved to see her renewed energy and appetite.
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. Timothy Whaley:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Regular dental care is crucial for overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Your dental health is intrinsically linked to your systemic health.
- 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 a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Whaley 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?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums naturally change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Our office can reline the existing denture for a more comfortable fit, or create a new one if needed. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- 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 full dentures and preventing slippage. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To clean your dentures properly, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a 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 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. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap, filling the space with a false tooth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that fills the gaps of one or more missing 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 like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection for a tooth that is more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- 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. Whaley will visually inspect the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat, and gently feel the jaw and neck, looking for any unusual sores, discolorations, or lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
5947 Factory Shops Blvd
Ellenton FL 34222
Phone: (941) 479-7936
Dr. Timothy Whaley, 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): 1508247206
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. Timothy Whaley 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.