General & Family Dentistry in Plano, TX

Welcome to our practice, a premier dental care provider located in Plano, TX. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable dental professionals is dedicated to helping you and your family achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We offer a wide range of general and family dentistry services to meet the diverse needs of our patients.

General Dentistry

General dentistry encompasses the basic, preventive, and restorative dental treatments necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. These services include:

Dental Cleanings and Exams

Regular dental cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining good oral health. During a cleaning, our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. They will also polish your teeth and provide fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel.

During an exam, your dentist will check for any problems with your teeth, gums, and mouth. They will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer and make recommendations for treatment as needed.

Fillings

A filling may be necessary to restore your tooth if you have a cavity. We offer both amalgam (silver) fillings and tooth-colored composite fillings to suit your preference. The type of filling used will depend on the size and location of the cavity, as well as the cost and durability of the material.

Crowns

A crown, also known as a cap, is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns are used to protect weak teeth, restore teeth that have been broken or worn down, and improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen or severely discolored. We offer a variety of crown materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and gold.

Bridges

If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge may be a good option for you. A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) and is supported by crowns on either side (called abutments). The crowns are placed over the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth (or teeth), and the pontic is attached to the crowns to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. Bridges are an effective way to restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a dental treatment used to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. It is necessary when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to an abscess (a pocket of pus). During a root canal, the infected tissue is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A crown is usually placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects the mouth, tongue, and throat. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, which is why we perform oral cancer screenings during every dental exam. Using visual and tactile exams, we look for signs of abnormal tissue changes, such as sores, lumps, and swelling. We will recommend further testing and treatment as needed if we detect any abnormalities.

Gum Disease Evaluation

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar, which produce toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated. During your exam, we will evaluate the health of your gums and recommend treatment as needed to prevent or manage gum disease. This may include a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and/or the use of antimicrobial rinses or gels to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Family Dentistry

In addition to general dentistry, we also offer a range of services specifically designed for families. These services include:

Pediatric Dentistry

We provide comprehensive dental care for children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Our team is specially trained to work with children and is committed to making their dental visits comfortable and enjoyable. We offer a variety of preventive and restorative treatments, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings. We also provide education and guidance to parents on how to care for their children’s teeth at home.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaws. If your child or teenager has crooked teeth, an overbite, or gaps between their teeth, they will need to correct these problems via orthodontics. At Thomas Simmons, DDS, we offer clear aligners to straighten your and your family’s teeth. If you or your child has more severe orthodontic problems, we will refer you to an orthodontic specialist in the area.

A Healthy Smile Is a Happy Smile

Thank you for considering our practice for your dental care needs. We are committed to providing high-quality, personalized care to our patients and strive to make every visit to our office a positive and comfortable experience. If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your family.