Thomas Croley, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Lufkin, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care to all ages. Registered with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act), Dr. Croley is committed to the highest standards of patient care and adheres to evidence-based practices.
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. Croley understands the vital role oral health plays in a patient's overall well-being, and he is committed to a collaborative approach, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Thomas Croley, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Lufkin, TX. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Croley provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (936) 634-5516 to schedule an appointment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Croley is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Croley provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and the early detection of oral health issues. He emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals. His focus extends beyond individual teeth to encompass the connection between oral and overall health, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.
By working together, you and Dr. Croley can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Croley offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Dental Trauma: Dental trauma involves injuries to your teeth, gums, or jaw, and your general dentist can provide emergency care, repairs, and long-term management.
- Crooked Teeth: If your teeth are crooked, a general dentist can evaluate the issue and recommend solutions such as braces or Invisalign to straighten them, improving both your smile and oral health.
- Periodontitis: Your dentist plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, using methods like scaling and root planing to restore your gum health.
- Jaw Tumor: Jaw tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous, and your dentist plays a crucial role in early detection through regular checkups and oral cancer screenings.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer develops in the tissues of the mouth and can be life-threatening, but your dentist can perform exams to find it early when it's most treatable.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): A gummy smile, characterized by showing too much gum when smiling, can be improved aesthetically with the help of your general dentist's expertise in gum reshaping.
- Dislocated Jaw: If your jawbone shifts out of its normal position, causing pain and limited movement, a general dentist can gently put it back in place.
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. Croley offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Extraction of Wisdom Tooth: A wisdom tooth extraction is a treatment to remove a problematic wisdom tooth, improving oral health and comfort.
- Hybridge Dental Implant: If you have missing teeth, a Hybridge implant may be a good option for restoring your smile and chewing ability.
- Upper Dentures: Missing upper teeth can impact your confidence and ability to eat; upper dentures are a solution to restore both.
- Endodontic Treatment: Endodontic treatment aims to preserve natural teeth by cleaning and sealing the root canals, relieving pain and preventing further infection.
- Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®): LANAP® is a minimally invasive laser treatment designed to help reverse the effects of gum disease and improve gum health.
- Replacing Missing Teeth: Missing teeth can be replaced with dentures, bridges, or implants to enhance your oral health and appearance.
- Dental Filling: Dental fillings restore damaged teeth, preventing further decay and preserving your natural tooth structure.
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. Croley 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 dental trauma, a patient experienced significant pain relief and restored confidence in their smile, enabling them to enjoy their daily activities without discomfort.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient felt confident in their ability to manage their crooked teeth, resulting in a straighter smile and improved oral health.
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
715 Southwood Dr, Lufkin, TX, 75904
Phone: (936) 634-5516
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Croley:
- 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 for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care isn't just about your teeth; it's essential for maintaining 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. Croley 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 can help preserve the jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone health, implants may be a good option for you.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root or worn-down enamel. Dr. Croley 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 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 a cap that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal to provide strength and protection.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Dr. Croley performs this vital part of every routine dental exam to help detect potential problems early. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should 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.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Croley, can perform many root canals. For more complex cases, a referral to an endodontist may be necessary. Dr. Croley will determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
715 Southwood Dr
Lufkin TX 75904
Phone: (936) 634-5516
Thomas Croley, 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): 1619141637
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. Thomas Croley 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.