Gregory Fossum, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Corpus Christi, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care. Registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act), Dr. Fossum understands the critical role oral health plays in overall well-being.
General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. Dr. Fossum serves all ages, emphasizing a patient-centered approach to care. Prospective patients should call (361) 937-5555 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Gregory Fossum, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Corpus Christi, TX, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Fossum provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Fossum is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Fossum's approach to patient care emphasizes comprehensive general dentistry, fostering a strong patient-provider relationship. He prioritizes preventative care, proactive diagnosis and treatment of dental issues, and effective management of tooth replacement needs. He also performs oral cancer screenings and collaborates with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and systemic health, providing a holistic approach to patient well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Fossum can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Fossum offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Cherubism: Characterized by overgrowth of the jawbones, cherubism affects the development of teeth and can lead to dental problems; your dentist can help manage these issues and prevent further complications.
- Chipped Tooth: Don't ignore a chipped tooth! Your general dentist can provide treatment, ranging from simple repair to more extensive restorative work.
- Ankylosis of Tooth: Ankylosed teeth are fused to the jawbone, which can cause problems with eruption, biting, and overall dental health; a general dentist can manage this issue.
- Open Bite: An open bite is a dental condition where the upper and lower front teeth don't meet when your mouth is closed, and your dentist can help diagnose and create a treatment plan.
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: A dentist can detect oral hairy leukoplakia, a painless white patch usually found on the side of the tongue, and make sure it's not a sign of anything more serious.
- Broken Dental Appliance: A broken dental appliance, like a crown or denture, needs immediate attention from your dentist to prevent further damage or discomfort.
- Cleft Lip: A cleft lip is a congenital condition that results in an incompletely formed upper lip, impacting the appearance, function, and long-term dental health of the child, which a general dentist helps manage.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Fossum offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Crown Lengthening: This procedure removes excess gum and bone tissue to make more of a tooth visible, which is beneficial for crowns, bridges, or improving the tooth's aesthetics.
- Dentures: Dentures provide a solution for missing teeth, improving your appearance and overall oral health.
- Gum Surgery: To treat advanced gum disease and save your teeth, your dentist may recommend gum surgery to remove infection and promote healing.
- Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: This laser procedure helps dentists treat gum problems, such as minor gum tissue reshaping or improving the fit of dentures, with less bleeding and faster healing.
- Traumatic Dental Injury Treatment: This treatment addresses dental emergencies resulting from trauma, such as sports injuries or falls.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: If you have extensive tooth damage or decay, full mouth reconstruction rebuilds your smile and improves your bite.
- Frenectomy: To address issues like difficulty breastfeeding, speech impediments, or gum recession caused by a tight frenulum, a dentist may perform a frenectomy, a minor surgical procedure to release the affected tissue.
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 their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Fossum is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, the patient successfully managed their cherubism, preventing further complications to their teeth and jaw development. This allowed them to maintain a healthy smile and overall well-being.
- After receiving a thorough examination and personalized treatment plan, the patient's chipped tooth was successfully repaired, restoring a confident smile and improving their overall oral health. The patient felt relieved and empowered to maintain their oral health moving forward.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
9301 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX, 78418
Phone: (361) 937-5555
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Fossum:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only 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 common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Fossum can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge, which looks and feels like a natural tooth, and can help preserve the jawbone.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch for a small area of damage, while a crown is a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are needed when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Fossum can reline existing dentures or create new ones, depending on the condition, to ensure a comfortable and proper fit. A good fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis). This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Fossum will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root, or by worn-down enamel. Dr. Fossum can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
9301 S Padre Island Dr
Corpus Christi TX 78418
Phone: (361) 937-5555
Gregory Fossum, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1851304034
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Gregory Fossum are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. 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.