Dr. Thomas McRae, DDS

Dr. Thomas McRae, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Orange Park, FL, 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and serves all ages.

Dr. Thomas DDS, a dentistry practitioner in Orange Park, FL, understands that preventative care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. He focuses on creating personalized strategies to prevent dental issues before they arise. This approach encompasses a wide range of services, from routine checkups and cleanings to tailored oral hygiene instructions and guidance on lifestyle choices impacting oral health. He is dedicated to ensuring that patients understand their oral health and feel equipped to make informed decisions. Please call (904) 272-1564 to confirm if Dr. Thomas DDS is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Thomas DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Thomas DDS 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. Thomas DDS 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. Thomas DDS 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:

• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Preventive care includes monitoring your jaw joint; a clicking sound is a potential sign of TMJ disorder that warrants an examination to prevent complications.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain if left untreated; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management.
• Orofacial Pain: Managing orofacial pain effectively is key to preventing long-term discomfort and potential damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joints, so regular dental check-ups are vital.
• Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting your teeth and gums, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious problems and costly treatments.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III, weakens tooth structure, proactive dental care, including preventative treatments, is essential to minimize the risk of tooth fracture and infection.
• Occlusal Disease: Problems with your bite, known as occlusal disease, can cause wear and tear on your teeth and jaw, making preventive care like regular checkups essential.
• Receding Gums: Receding gums indicate a need for professional dental care to help prevent serious gum disease and the potential for costly treatments.

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. Thomas DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• PerioLase® Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): LANAP is a laser procedure that helps repair damaged gum tissue, reducing the risk of tooth loss and improving your oral health.
• Pocket Depth Measurement: Protecting your gums from disease starts with a pocket depth measurement – it's a crucial part of your preventive dental care, helping your dentist identify and address potential problems before they escalate.
• Removable Appliances: Regularly cleaning and inspecting your removable appliances helps identify any damage or infections early, leading to timely treatment and preventing further complications.
• Traumatic Dental Injury Treatment: Taking proactive steps to treat traumatic dental injuries helps prevent long-term tooth damage and ensures your smile stays healthy.
• Porcelain Dental Inlays: Protecting your teeth from further damage, porcelain inlays offer a strong, natural-looking restoration for cavities that are too large for fillings.
• Root Canal: By addressing severe inflammation and infection within the tooth's root, root canal therapy significantly reduces the risk of painful complications like abscesses and prevents future dental issues.
• Orthotic Treatment: By using orthotics to realign your teeth, you're safeguarding your gums from excessive pressure and wear, lowering your risk of periodontal disease.

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. Thomas DDS 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 scheduling regular checkups and addressing the clicking sound in their jaw, a patient proactively managed potential TMJ issues, avoiding further discomfort and maintaining a healthy bite.
• A patient noticed a small chip in their tooth early in a routine checkup, enabling prompt treatment and preventing further complications. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable smile and avoided potential sensitivity or pain.
• By following a proactive oral health plan, a patient was able to avoid the discomfort of orofacial pain, maintaining a healthy smile and confident lifestyle. Regular check-ups and preventive measures ensured their oral health remained in top condition.

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. Thomas DDS:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Thomas DDS and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, 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?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal body health.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease marked by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Thomas DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

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

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a tooth by removing the infected pulp and cleaning the inside of the tooth. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction. It's a common and effective way to address damaged or infected teeth.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Thomas DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

390 Jefferson Ave
Orange Park FL 32065
Phone: (904) 272-1564

Dr. Thomas McRae, DDS 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): 1326059742

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. Thomas DDS 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.