Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth and jaw. Properly performed dentistry is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.
A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. French and Dr. Simmons have completed many years of medical education in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Other specializations a dentist may study are:
- Oral and maxillofacial (pathology, surgery and implants)
- Orthodontics (specializes in alignment and spacing with teeth)
- Endodontics (specializes in root canal therapy)
- Periodontics (specializes in gum disease, implants)
- Prosthodontics (specialization in teeth replacement such as implants, partials and dentures)
Here at French Smiles, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling regular cleanings at French Smiles is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.
Yes, it’s very important to schedule regular cleanings. Dr. French and Dr. Simmons will recommend how often you should come in for cleaning visits that will best suit your individual dental health needs. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient aesthetics.
At French Smiles, a cleaning visit will include a complete oral examination, oral cancer exam, digital images to diagnose any concerns and a thorough cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris and plaque from your teeth and along the gumline. Dr. French and Dr. Simmons will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any concerns that are found. We’ll also recommend aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile.
Dr. French and Dr. Simmons recommend at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation for that type of toothbrush. Factors like gum disease might require changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up continually in our mouths. When this buildup is not treated in the early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Dr. French and Dr. Simmons recommend brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling regular dental appointments as the best way to prevent gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gumline
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at 770-985-2437 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.
Insurance is welcomed and we will gladly file claims on your behalf! We are happy to help you maximize your benefit & prioritize treatment strategically to get you the most from your plan. If your insurance plan restricts you to only going to a provider on their list, we are not on that list. If your plan allows you benefits when you go to the provider of your choice, even if out of network, then we gladly file those claims for you.
Of course, participation in a dental benefits plan is not required for either of our doctors at French Smiles to receive treatment. Robert French, DDS & John W Simmons IV, DMD have many patients without dental coverage who come to us for managed preventive care as well as cosmetic and advanced restorative procedures. They find our dental care to be affordable even without dental coverage.
We accept Cash, Checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover. We also partner with Care Credit who provides extended financing options for up to 12 months with no interest for your care.
Insurance is welcomed and we will gladly file claims on your behalf! We are happy to help you maximize your benefit & prioritize treatment strategically to get you the most from your plan. If your insurance plan restricts you to only going to a provider on their list, we are not on that list. If your plan allows you benefits when you go to the provider of your choice, even if out of network, then we gladly file those claims for you.
