Dr. Wade Winker, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Eustis, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care for his patients. Dr. Winker understands the unique dental needs of those 65 years and older, recognizing that oral health is intrinsically linked to 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. Winker's approach is deeply patient-centered, focusing on creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, and strives to address the specific concerns of each individual patient. Prospective patients should call (352) 357-2564 to confirm if Dr. Winker is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Wade Winker, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Eustis, FL, dedicated to the comprehensive dental care of seniors. He understands the importance of communication and collaboration in senior healthcare and prioritizes a supportive, patient-centered approach to care. While Dr. Winker's consultations are primarily in English, his commitment to his patients' well-being remains unwavering.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Wade Winker is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Wade Winker is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He recognizes the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, addressing age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to create a cohesive plan for optimal oral and systemic health. His patient-centered approach ensures a comfortable and supportive experience for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Wade Winker 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. Wade Winker 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:
- Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a serious but treatable cancer affecting the mouth's lining; early detection through regular dental checkups greatly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
- Swollen Gums: Swollen gums, a common issue as we age, can often be managed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, helping you keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Accidents happen, and even a small chip in a tooth can cause discomfort or infection. Your dentist can assess the damage and provide solutions, minimizing pain and protecting your oral health.
- Gingivitis: If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, it might be gingivitisa gum infection easily treated with professional cleaning and improved brushing, helping maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
- Impacted Teeth: If a tooth is unable to erupt properly through your gums, it's considered impacted, and it may need to be removed by your dentist to prevent future issues like infections or damage to neighboring teeth, thereby improving your overall oral health.
- Open Bite: An open bite is a condition where the teeth don't come together completely, potentially affecting speech and chewing; however, dentists can often help correct this to enhance your quality of life.
- Tender Gums: Sore gums can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of your gum tenderness and provide relief, helping you maintain your independence and enjoy meals.
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. Wade Winker offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Gum Graft Surgery: This procedure addresses gum recession, a common issue among seniors, helping to protect teeth and improve overall oral health.
- Removable Denture: Regular denture check-ups help maintain oral health and identify any underlying issues like gum irritation or bone loss, contributing to a holistic care plan.
- Dental Prophylaxis: Dental prophylaxis is a preventative measure that helps maintain the health of your teeth and gums, contributing to your overall well-being as you age.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, acting as a strong foundation for crowns or dentures, and improving your overall oral health and function in the long term.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: Pocket reduction surgery helps manage gum disease by reducing the depth of gum pockets to promote healthier gums and prevent tooth loss.
- MDI Mini Dental Implant: For seniors with missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures, MDI Mini Dental Implants can provide a strong foundation for improved chewing, speech, and overall oral health.
- Dental Anesthesia: By minimizing discomfort, dental anesthesia helps seniors complete necessary dental work, thereby improving their overall quality of life and reducing risks of infection or pain.
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. Wade Winker 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:
- Following regular dental checkups and treatment, a senior was able to enjoy their favorite foods and conversations again, regaining their vibrant smile and social connections.
- After consistent dental care, a senior woman experienced a significant reduction in swollen gums, allowing her to enjoy her favorite pastime of eating crunchy vegetables again without discomfort.
- After a fall, a senior's chipped tooth caused significant discomfort. With professional dental care, the injury was addressed, and the patient regained the ability to enjoy their favorite foods without pain.
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. Wade Winker:
- 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 oral health is directly linked to your systemic 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. Winker can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- 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, making teeth more sensitive. Dr. Winker can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be causing the discomfort.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Winker's practice understands that changes in jawbone and gum shape over time can affect denture fit. We offer relining services to reshape the denture base for a more comfortable fit, or we can create a new denture if the current one is significantly worn. A proper denture fit is important for comfortable eating and clear speech.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a permanent, fixed appliance cemented to your teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth to replace missing ones.
- 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, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after every meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner daily, cleaning all surfaces. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in denture solution or water.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Winker performs a quick, painless oral cancer screening during every routine exam. This involves visually inspecting the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feeling the jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
15 W Atwater Ave
Eustis FL 32726
Phone: (352) 357-2564
Dr. Wade Winker, 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): 1922084292
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. Wade Winker 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.