Dr. Gary Crosson, DMD

Dr. Gary Crosson, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Defuniak Springs, Florida, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. He serves all ages.

Dr. Gary Crosson, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Defuniak Springs, FL, focused on the importance of prevention in maintaining optimal oral health. His approach emphasizes creating personalized strategies to prevent future dental issues. He understands that preventive care extends beyond the mouth, and proactively coordinates screenings and management plans to support your overall wellness. Patients should call (850) 892-8015 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Gary DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Gary DMD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Gary DMD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Gary DMD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Example Condition One for dentistry_us: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups is your best defense against cavities and the discomfort they cause.
• Mouth Cancer: Regular self-exams and professional dental checkups can detect mouth cancer at its earliest stages, leading to more effective treatment and a higher chance of recovery.
• Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): Oral thrush, a fungal infection, is easily treated if caught early, preventing discomfort and potential spread.
• Hunter Glossitis: Proper care and treatment of Hunter glossitis are crucial steps in preventing chronic tongue issues and promoting your overall well-being.
• Cleft Lip: While not directly preventable, early detection of cleft lip allows for prompt surgical correction, reducing the risk of feeding difficulties and speech impediments.
• Mouth Ulcer: Preventing mouth ulcers involves maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, reducing the risk of recurring sores and potential infections.
• Underbite: Don't let an underbite compromise your oral health; early identification and appropriate management can prevent complications like crooked teeth, TMJ problems, and even impacted wisdom teeth.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Gary DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Fluoride Varnish: Protecting your smile starts with prevention! Fluoride varnish acts as a shield against harmful acids, minimizing your chances of needing fillings or other procedures.
• Wilckodontics® Dental Braces: Wilckodontics® Dental Braces help straighten your teeth to improve your bite, preventing future dental problems and promoting a healthy smile.
• BriteSmile® Teeth Whitening System: The BriteSmile® system offers a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth, helping you feel more confident and maintain good oral hygiene.
• Invisalign®: Take proactive steps towards better oral health with Invisalign®: these clear aligners gently shift your teeth into proper alignment, preventing future dental issues and enhancing your overall smile.
• Bone Regeneration Procedure: Bone regeneration helps restore the jawbone's structure, improving the long-term stability and health of your teeth and gums.
• Dental X-Ray: Invest in your long-term oral health with a simple dental X-ray. This safe imaging procedure is key to early detection of hidden issues, helping your dentist provide preventative care and protect your overall well-being.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy with regular dental hygiene appointments, allowing for early detection of oral health problems that could impact your overall health.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Gary DMD is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By meticulously following a proactive oral hygiene plan and attending regular checkups, a patient successfully avoided the development of cavities, ensuring a healthy, pain-free smile.
• By diligently following a proactive oral health plan, including regular self-exams and professional checkups, a patient was able to detect a potential issue early, significantly reducing their risk of mouth cancer.
• By following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient avoided the discomfort of oral thrush, maintaining a healthy and confident smile. Early detection and preventative measures provided peace of mind, ensuring a positive oral health experience.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Gary DMD:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Gary DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months. This schedule helps prevent tartar buildup that brushing alone can't remove, allows for early cavity detection, and screens for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Gary DMD is needed to determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, supporting a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Gary DMD. We will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are "caps" that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

362 State Highway 83
Defuniak Springs FL 32433
Phone: (850) 892-8015

Dr. Gary Crosson, DMD 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): 1265440028

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Gary DMD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.