Ricky Autrey, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Nacogdoches, 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. Autrey is dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care, recognizing that 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. He serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care, ensuring a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered.
Dr. Ricky Autrey, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Nacogdoches, TX, dedicated to the comprehensive oral health needs of his patients. He understands the importance of preventative care and proactive management of dental concerns. His practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and tailored treatment plans. Prospective patients should call (936) 560-0698 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Autrey provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Autrey is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Autrey provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and early detection of oral health issues. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, fostering open communication and collaboration with patients to develop personalized treatment plans. He expertly addresses all aspects of oral health, from routine cleanings to complex restorative procedures, while proactively screening for oral cancer and understanding the crucial link between oral and overall systemic health.
By working together, you and Dr. Autrey can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Autrey offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Tongue-Tie: Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, can affect breastfeeding, speech, and oral hygiene; your general dentist can help determine the severity and recommend treatment.
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia, a harmless white lesion on the side of your tongue, is diagnosed and monitored by your dentist to ensure it doesn't indicate other health issues.
- Mouth Cancer: Regular dental checkups are key to finding mouth cancer early, as your dentist can identify suspicious sores or lesions that may indicate the disease.
- Tender Gums: If your gums feel sore or sensitive, it might be gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease that your general dentist can diagnose and help manage.
- Lip Cancer: Lip cancer involves abnormal cell growth on the lips, often noticeable as sores or changes in lip color; your dentist plays a crucial role in early detection.
- Herpes Stomatitis: Cold sores or fever blisters in your mouth are signs of herpes stomatitis, a condition your dentist can help treat with medication and advice on managing outbreaks.
- Broken Tooth: A broken tooth can lead to infection and serious complications if left untreated, so see your dentist as soon as possible.
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. Autrey offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®): For patients with gum disease, LANAP® offers a less invasive treatment option using a laser to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
- Implant-Supported Crown: An implant-supported crown is a strong, natural-looking cap placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
- Retainer Therapy: After braces or other teeth-straightening treatments, retainer therapy uses retainers to hold your teeth in their new, aligned positions.
- Amalgam Filling Removal: Removing amalgam fillings can be part of a comprehensive dental plan if you're experiencing issues like decay under the filling or simply want a cosmetic improvement.
- Laser Cavity Detection: With laser cavity detection, your dentist can pinpoint areas of tooth decay that might be missed with traditional methods.
- Smile Makeovers: If you're unhappy with your smile's appearance, a makeover might involve teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, or orthodontics for a more confident look.
- Root Canal: Root canal therapy is a treatment that addresses the inner portion of a tooth to save it from extraction when it's severely damaged or infected.
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. Autrey 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 for tongue-tie, a patient experienced improved oral function and significantly enhanced breastfeeding success.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and ongoing monitoring from their dentist, a patient successfully managed oral hairy leukoplakia, maintaining good oral health and peace of mind.
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
4703 NE Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches, TX, 75965
Phone: (936) 560-0698
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Autrey:
- 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 the 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 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. Autrey can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding while 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 can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity can be caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root, or by worn-down enamel. Dr. Autrey can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- 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. Autrey will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum changes can loosen dentures. Dr. Autrey can reline existing dentures or create new ones if necessary, ensuring a proper fit for comfortable eating and speaking. A proper fit is essential for oral health and well-being.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if nothing hurts. These visits are crucial for prevention, as they allow our team to remove tartar buildup and catch problems like small cavities or early gum disease before they become painful or expensive to treat.
- 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 can help preserve the jawbone.
4703 NE Stallings Dr
Nacogdoches TX 75965
Phone: (936) 560-0698
Ricky Autrey, 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): 1417186503
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. Ricky Autrey 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.