Dr. Thomas Willis, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is registered with the Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventative dentistry extends beyond individual treatments; he serves as a 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's committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages. Please call (352) 273-5800 to confirm if Dr. Thomas DDS is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Thomas Willis, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, specializing in General Preventive Dentistry. This focus means he's a key partner in helping you maintain optimal oral health, preventing potential problems before they arise. 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. Dr. Thomas DDS provides consultations primarily in English. His expertise and dedication to preventative care make him a valuable resource for all your oral health needs.
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.
Dr. Thomas DDS acts as a trusted partner in preventive health, offering comprehensive preventive care tailored to each patient's needs. His approach prioritizes the creation of personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, seamlessly coordinating necessary screenings and managing overall wellness to maintain optimal oral and systemic health.
By working together, you and Dr. Thomas DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Assurant Health
- DHA
- DHA Premier
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:
- Teething: By understanding the signs and symptoms of teething and taking preventative steps, you can help your child maintain a healthy mouth and gums throughout their life.
- Odontogenic Lesions: Odontogenic lesions can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive oral health for your overall well-being. Early detection through regular checkups is key.
- Chipped Tooth: Addressing a chipped tooth promptly minimizes the chance of the chip worsening, possibly leading to a more complex and costly repair later on.
- Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: Ignoring salivary gland issues can result in severe complications, so prompt dental care for any signs of swelling or pain is crucial for preventing long-term problems.
- Craniofrontonasal Syndrome, Teebi Type: Because Craniofrontonasal syndrome, Teebi type, can affect facial structure, regular dental checkups are essential for early detection and treatment of any dental problems, preventing long-term oral health complications.
- Gingival Fibrosis: Managing gum disease effectively can prevent the development of gingival fibrosis, a complication that can impact your ability to clean your teeth and increase the risk of tooth loss, underscoring the importance of preventive care.
- Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Oral lichenoid lesions, though often painless, warrant attention because consistent monitoring and prompt treatment by your dentist can help minimize discomfort and potential long-term effects.
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:
- Digital Tomography: For comprehensive oral health assessment, digital tomography provides detailed images to help your dentist accurately diagnose and treat conditions affecting your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
- Preparation for Alveolar Cleft Repair: This preparation helps your oral surgeon plan the best approach to repair a cleft in your jaw, minimizing risks and improving the long-term health of your mouth and teeth.
- Pre-Operative Examination for Dental Surgery: Taking a proactive step towards a successful dental procedure, a pre-operative exam helps your dentist screen for hidden problems and plan for any necessary adjustments.
- Porcelain Fixed Bridges: By replacing missing teeth with a porcelain fixed bridge, you're investing in long-term oral health, preventing future complications and improving the overall function of your bite.
- Laser Teeth Whitening: Laser teeth whitening brightens your smile while allowing your dentist to assess the health of your enamel and identify potential issues early.
- The Wand® Single Tooth Anesthesia System (STA): Invest in your well-being by opting for The Wand® during your next dental visit. This pain-free anesthesia system encourages regular checkups, which are crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease.
- Root Canal Retreatment: Root canal retreatment is a procedure to address persistent infection or inflammation in a previously treated tooth, protecting your overall oral health and preventing further complications.
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 understanding the signs and symptoms of teething and taking preventative steps, a family was relieved to learn how to best support their child's developing oral health. This proactive approach helped maintain a healthy mouth and gums throughout the teething process.
- By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential odontogenic lesions, reducing any associated risks and gaining peace of mind about their overall health.
- Recognizing a minor chip early, a patient proactively addressed the issue, minimizing the risk of further damage and ensuring a less expensive, more straightforward repair solution. This proactive approach provided peace of mind regarding their oral health.
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.
- Primary Location:
Practice
1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610
Phone: (352) 273-5800
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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?
- At Dr. Thomas DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect 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, more importantly, gum disease, which can affect your overall health.
- 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 essential for maintaining a healthy body.
- 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, such as a custom nightguard, to prevent damage from grinding.
- 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, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.
- 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. Thomas DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.
- Do you perform oral cancer screenings?
- Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Thomas DDS. We will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.
- When should my child first see a dentist?
- Dr. Thomas DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for the future.
1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-5800
Dr. Thomas Willis, 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): 1326004698
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.