Leave Every Visit Knowing Exactly Where Your Teeth Stand
General Dentistry in Plano, TX
Maybe it’s been a few years since your last cleaning, or you want one office for your whole household. Either way, you get a clear picture of your teeth and no lecture. Thomas A. Simmons, DDS, has provided general and family dentistry in Plano, TX since 2004, and every checkup pairs a hygienist cleaning with an exam by Dr. Simmons.
What to Expect
A lot of people put off the dentist because they expect to be scolded, or handed a long list of expensive work the moment they sit down. Falling behind is not a personal failing, and nobody should feel embarrassed about coming back. What waiting does cost is time for small problems to grow. Decay that reaches the inside of a tooth can infect it and turn a simple filling into a root canal, and gum disease left untreated can lead to tooth loss. At your visit we show you what we find and tell you plainly which items can wait. You will not be pressured into treatment you don’t need.
What Happens at a Checkup?
A checkup has two parts, a cleaning with one of our hygienists and an exam with Dr. Simmons, and you hear the results before you leave. Here is the order most visits follow:
Digital X-rays, so we can see between your teeth and below the gumline.
A cleaning that removes plaque and hardened tartar, followed by polishing and a fluoride treatment.
An exam in which Dr. Simmons looks for decay, checks your gums for periodontal disease, screens for oral cancer and checks the condition of any fillings or crowns you already have.
A conversation about what he found, with a cost estimate before any treatment begins.
If you feel anxious at any point, tell us and we will stop. Sedation is available if you need more help relaxing.
General Dentistry Services We Offer
Dental Cleanings and Exams
Most patients need a professional cleaning every six months, and patients with gum problems may need to come in more often. Our registered dental hygienists clear away the plaque and tartar that build up between visits, which is what keeps small issues from turning into bigger ones.
Fillings
When a checkup finds a cavity, a filling restores the tooth, and you can choose a tooth-colored composite or a silver amalgam. The right material depends on the size and location of the cavity, as well as cost and durability, and Dr. Simmons walks you through the tradeoff before he starts. For teeth with more damage.
Oral Cancer Screenings
We screen for oral cancer at every dental exam. Dr. Simmons checks the tissue of your mouth by sight and by touch for unusual changes, like a lump, and recommends further testing if anything looks abnormal. The screening is also part of your first visit as a new patient.
Gum Disease Treatment
We check your gums at every exam, and when gum disease is present, treatment may include a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. Our hygienists clean below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots so the gums can heal against the teeth, with Dr. Simmons overseeing the care. Some patients also need antimicrobial rinses or gels.
Children's Dentistry
Children see us for cleanings, fluoride, sealants and fillings, and we also place space maintainers and appliances that help a child stop thumb sucking. A child’s first appointment is mostly a chance to meet the team and get comfortable in the chair, so we schedule extra time for it.
Clear Aligners for Teens and Adults
Dr. Simmons straightens teeth with Invisalign clear aligners, and many adult and teen patients see their results within 12 to 18 months. If an exam shows a bite problem that needs braces or specialist care, we refer you to an orthodontist nearby. For Invisalign patients we can also set up a private payment plan with our office.
Meet Dr. Thomas Simmons
You will see Dr. Thomas Simmons, DDS, at every exam, along with a team in which many members have worked here for more than 15 years. Dr. Simmons earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2004 and has practiced at this office ever since, so many of the patients he sees today are the children and grandchildren of families he first treated years ago. Because our staff has stayed so long, the hygienist who cleans your teeth this year is likely the one who did it last year, and the team remembers how you like your appointments to go. Dr. Simmons is a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see the whole family?
Yes. We see adults and children, and many families have brought two or three generations to our office. Kids come in for cleanings, fluoride, sealants and fillings, while adults can get everything from routine checkups to crowns and Invisalign. If a child needs care beyond what we provide, we refer you to a trusted local specialist. [NEEDED: ages seen]
How often should I get a checkup?
Most patients should have a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease or other ongoing issues, Dr. Simmons may recommend coming in more often so problems are caught early. Each visit includes a cleaning with a registered dental hygienist, digital X-rays when they are due, and an exam where Dr. Simmons checks your teeth, gums, bite and existing fillings.
Do you take my insurance?
We are in network with most PPO dental plans, and we file claims for you electronically. If we are out of network with your plan, most PPO plans still let you use your benefits here, and we will explain how that works. You get a clear cost estimate before treatment begins. Call our office and we will verify your plan before your visit.
Can I come in if I haven't been to the dentist in years?
Yes, and you won't be judged for it. Your first visit includes digital X-rays, an exam, an oral cancer screening and a look at your bite, followed by a plain explanation of what we found. If there is tartar below the gumline, Dr. Simmons may recommend a deep cleaning instead of a routine one. Nothing starts until you understand the plan and its cost.
What if I don't have dental insurance?
You can still be seen, and we will give you a cost estimate before any treatment starts. CareCredit offers up to 18 months of interest-free financing on all treatments, and Ida, our treatment coordinator, can walk you through your options. [CONFIRM: discount or membership plan name, price and what it covers] See our financial information for the full list of payment options.
Ready for Your Next Checkup?
Whether it has been six months or six years, getting back on track starts with one visit where you learn where every tooth stands and what any next step will cost. Our Plano office opens at 7:15 AM on weekdays except Wednesday, so many patients finish before the workday begins. Over time, checkups become a normal part of your family’s calendar instead of something you dread, and your kids grow up treating the dentist as an ordinary errand.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
What Our Patients Are Saying
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