Ricardo Lucio, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Bay City, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Dr. Lucio is dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care, recognizing that oral health is deeply connected to 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. Lucio serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Ricardo Lucio, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Bay City, TX, dedicated to the comprehensive care of his patients. Prospective patients should call (979) 245-4746 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Lucio provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Lucio is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Lucio provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and early intervention to maintain optimal oral health. He meticulously diagnoses and treats dental diseases, expertly manages tooth replacement needs, and performs thorough oral cancer screenings. Recognizing the link between oral and systemic health, Dr. Lucio collaborates effectively with primary care physicians to ensure a holistic approach to patient well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Lucio 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. Lucio offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Receding Gums: Receding gums expose the tooth roots, increasing sensitivity and the risk of infection; a general dentist can assess the severity, address the underlying cause (like gum disease), and provide treatments to stabilize the gums.
- 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.
- Cleft Lip and Palate: General dentists help manage the dental complications associated with cleft lip and palate, such as misaligned teeth and difficulty with speech and eating.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Your dentist is trained to manage injuries to the mouth and teeth, from sports accidents to falls, providing emergency care and restoration.
- Impacted Teeth: An impacted tooth is a tooth that's stuck beneath the gum line or bone and can't erupt normally, requiring a general dentist to remove it or create a plan for its eruption.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by acid produced from bacteria, and a general dentist can treat these with fillings or other restorative options.
- Cavity: Your dentist diagnoses and treats cavities, which are holes in your teeth caused by bacteria and acids breaking down the enamel.
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. Lucio offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Osseous Surgery: Osseous surgery is a type of gum surgery that reshapes or removes bone to treat gum disease or prepare for dental implants.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a procedure that helps your gums heal and regenerate bone after gum disease or tooth loss, improving the chances of successful implant placement or bone grafting.
- Laser Cavity Detection: This technology provides a more precise diagnosis of cavities, leading to more effective and conservative treatment plans.
- Broken Dental Appliance: A damaged dental appliance can lead to further oral health problems. See your dentist to have it repaired or replaced to prevent complications.
- Oral Surgical Procedures: Oral surgical procedures are operations performed in the mouth, often involving tooth removal or other treatments for gum disease or jaw problems.
- Arestin® Therapy: To fight gum disease, Arestin® is a local antibiotic placed directly into the infected gum pockets during a dental cleaning.
- Restoring Teeth: Restorative procedures, such as fillings and crowns, repair teeth to prevent further damage and improve your smile.
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. Lucio 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 personalized treatment plan, the patient experienced a significant reduction in tooth sensitivity and a noticeable improvement in gum health, allowing them to confidently maintain a healthy smile.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from a dentist, a patient successfully managed oral hairy leukoplakia, maintaining good oral health. The patient felt empowered by understanding the condition and its manageable nature.
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
4040 Avenue F, Bay City, TX, 77414
Phone: (979) 245-4746
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Lucio:
- How is my 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 your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also 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. Lucio 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 that looks and feels natural, and help preserve the jawbone.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change shape, sometimes making dentures less comfortable or fitting properly. Dr. Lucio can reline the existing denture to reshape it for a better fit, or create a new denture if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months. These visits are crucial for preventing problems like tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, often avoiding costly procedures later.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitive teeth can be caused by receding gums, exposing the tooth root, or worn-down enamel. Dr. Lucio can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or examine for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be contributing to the sensitivity.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Lucio, are trained to perform many root canals. For more complex cases, a referral to an endodontist may be necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. Many root canals can be performed right here in the office by Dr. Lucio.
- 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. Lucio will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
4040 Avenue F
Bay City TX 77414
Phone: (979) 245-4746
Ricardo Lucio, 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): 1942561196
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. Ricardo Lucio 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.