What The Best Dentist in Plano Has to Offer

by gtadmin20 | Apr 15, 2022 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry

With 6 in 10 Americans feeling anxious and afraid to visit a dentist, we understand how challenging it can be for you and your family to make dental health a priority. But that’s what we are here for!

At the dental office of Dr. David Wilhite DDS in Plano, TX, our goal has always been to take this fear out of the equation and make our patients confident and comfortable while achieving their dental health goals.

“For years, I was scared of visiting a dentist. However since I met Dr. Wilhite, everything changed. The personalized, compassionate care he provides to his patients is exceptional. Dr. Wilhite and his staff go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and are OK from start to finish.” – N.H.

Dr. Wilhite is one of the most respected dentists in Texas, with a specialization in family, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. He along with his staff are dedicated to providing safe, proven, and advanced oral care for the patients to create healthy, beautiful smiles.

In the words of Dr. Wilhite, “My goal is that you should be able to keep all of your natural teeth in great condition for the rest of your life.” And that’s what our practice is all about – to give you access to state-of-the-art dental care performed by industry-leading professionals who are as invested in your oral health as you are.

Take Control Of Your Dental Health With Ease

We understand that in today’s post-pandemic world, you probably have dozens of reasons to neglect your annual dental hygiene exam. In addition to the fear of potentially painful procedures, you may have other concerns, like taking time off work for your appointment. But have you ever heard the phrase, “prevention is better than cure”? Let us give you a few reasons why prioritizing your oral health is critical:

The Importance Of Oral Health And Preventative Care As It Relates To Overall Health

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90% of all systemic diseases first manifest in the form of a dental health issue. In other words, your dentist could be the very first professional to diagnose a serious health condition.

For example, if you have gum disease, it could be an indication of undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, diabetes, or heart disease. Studies have also shown that people with gum disease have three times the risk of having a stroke and twice the risk of dying from a heart attack than others.

Generally speaking, if your mouth is full of bad bacteria, they can enter your bloodstream, compromise your immune system, and result in a host of diseases. When someone has gum disease, for instance, the harmful bacteria bleed into the mouth and can cause infections in other parts of the body.

While many factors influence your overall health – like your diet and lifestyle habits – a healthy mouth is one of them.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential?

Here’s a fact: most oral problems are preventable. Except in rare cases, the purpose of routine dental examinations is to keep as much of your natural teeth intact as possible. Your dentist can help you spot problems early and build healthy habits for prevention. When it comes to your health, keeping a problem from happening is far better than fixing it after it happens.

Dental checkups are important because that’s when your family dentist recommends the best preventative strategies to keep your teeth and gums healthy. For example, they can show you the right way to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. This may seem inconsequential but one-third of Americans either over-brush or under-brush their teeth on a daily basis!

Additionally, when you visit a dentist twice a year for regular tooth cleaning, you get to know them better over time. This helps build trust so you can feel more comfortable about talking to them. If you have kids, this early relationship will also help them avoid feeling anxious when visiting the dentist.

These routine visits are how Dr. Wilhite and our team get to know our patients and their special needs. Since we keep thorough dental records of each patient, it becomes easy for us to track their oral health and provide them personalized care based on their dental history.

Why Dr. Wilhite Is The Best Dentist In Plano for General Dentistry and Specialty Services

Whether you need implants, veneers, a full-mouth restoration, or oral treatment for sleep apnea, Dr. Wilhite can provide you with a customized treatment plan along with a seamless experience to get it all done with no hassle. Dr. Wilhite and his team are dedicated to creating exceptional smiles.

Here’s what makes Dr. Wilhite the best in Plano, TX:

Advanced Expertise

Dr. David Wilhite is a Texas native and graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry, one of the oldest and most distinguished institutions in the country. He has been nominated for the Dentist of the Year award in 2005, 2008, and 2015 by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, making him one of the handful of dentists in the US who has had the honor more than once. He has also been nominated yearly for the Texas Super Dentist award by the esteemed Texas Monthly Magazine since 2006.

He also served as the Chairman of the Peer Review Council of Texas Dental Association for 7 years.

If that doesn’t impress you, consider this: Dr. Wilhite has received the Mastership Award as well as his Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry – less than 1% of American dentists have been able to achieve this distinction so far! The Mastership Award is only bestowed on dentists who have taken more than 1,100 extra hours of continuing training and education across a wide range of disciplines, such as Periodontics, oral surgery, restorative dentistry, treatment planning, and more.

If you are looking for a dentist with remarkable expertise and unequaled experience, you can’t be in better hands than that of Dr. Wilhite. Continuing education is also of great importance for Dr. Wilhite and his team. Each team member attends a minimum of six days per year outside of the office, learning different aspects of hygiene advancements, dental lab procedures, practice management, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry.

Committed To Preventative Care

Our team believes in prevention more than in procedures, which is why we put so much focus on preventive dental care so you and your family are educated about how to properly take care of your teeth and mouth, and avoid oral diseases.

Once you contract an oral health issue, it can be much more uncomfortable to experience and expensive to treat, so we offer a variety of preventive services to catch the problems early. This includes x-rays, oral evaluations, professional cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments (especially for kids), as well as education on proper nutrition, tobacco cessation, and correct techniques for flossing, brushing, and use of oral hygiene aids.

Kid-Friendly Environment

 “Before meeting Dr. Wilhite, we used to have two different dentists, one for us parents and one for our kids. Finally, a close friend recommended Dr. Wilhite for the whole family and we have never looked back. He has a way with the kids that puts them at ease and makes them enjoy their conversations with him.  The kids no longer cringe when we have to go see the dentist! Their whole team treats us like family and in my opinion this is what sets them apart….believe me….I’ve been to many different practices!”– Christina Steinauer

When it comes to caring for children, simply providing comprehensive pediatric dental services is not enough. Dr. Wilhite and his team work hard to create an environment that helps little ones feel comfortable and have fun during their visit.

Relaxing Atmosphere

 “After years of neglect due to childhood fears of any dentist, I found Dr. Wilhite when I moved to Plano in 2007. He and all of his staff treated me like my fear of dental treatments was not unusual and went out of their way to make my experience much less stress-inducing than I had ever thought possible. Had it not been for the care and patience the whole staff showed toward me, I don’t think I would have kept coming back. I think of the entire staff as friends and, can you imagine it, I even look forward to my appointments!” – MaryLee Nielson

For most people, the words “relax” and “dentist” just do not belong in the same sentence. But we do things differently here. You will sense the calm as soon as you enter our office in Plano as you are warmly greeted by our friendly staff. From the color scheme to décor to indoor temperature, everything is set up to promote feelings of calm and healing.

Services Offered By The Best Dental Office In Texas

We provide high-quality dental care services to the residents of Plano, Dallas, Carrollton, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, and Allen, TX. Our team led by Dr. Wilhite approaches dentistry from a whole-body health perspective, regardless of how old you are. Here’s a brief overview of our services:

General Dentistry

Routine dental care is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To that end, our general dentistry services can prevent many common diseases such as gingivitis or cavities, and diagnose and offer treatment options for all kinds of conditions affecting your jaw, gums, and teeth.

Dental Check-Ups & Exams: A twice-yearly examination of your teeth and gums, which includes teeth cleaning and polishing, x-rays (if applicable), and treatment recommendations (if necessary). Regular exams are critical for catching problems early.

Cleaning and Dental Hygiene: Our professional dental cleaning services will remove the plaque buildup that can turn into tartar and may lead to gum disease and cavities if left unaddressed. Basic cleaning appointments are recommended twice a year but it varies depending on your oral health. Diabetic patients usually need 4 cleanings per year, while patients at risk of developing gum disease may also need more frequent cleanings.

Dental Sealants: Applying sealants to your teeth helps them protect against decay, cavities, and plaque buildup for up to 10 years. Our team generally recommends sealants for kids because their teeth have small depressions in them that make them harder to properly clean via brushing alone. The process doesn’t require any tooth removal or drilling and can be done within a few minutes.

Patient Education: In our experience, a well-informed patient is a healthy patient. So, during each visit, our team sits down with the patient, answers their questions, and discusses tips they can start using right away for better oral health. In addition to the right way to brush and floss, we also talk about your calcium intake, your diet and its impact on your teeth, using oral appliances like mouthguards, and more.

Cavity Detection & Prevention: We use sophisticated diagnostic technologies to identify tooth decay early during your regular visits. Dr. Wilhite will check your mouth for any signs of cavities and discuss treatments and other ways of prevention. If you have severe tooth decay, we have many treatments available to repair the damage and restore your beautiful smile, including root canal therapy, dental crowns, and dental fillings.

Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment: We provide gum disease treatment for all stages of the disease to restore your oral health and prevent future damage. This painful disease is effectively treated by Scaling & Root Planning. Your current condition, the extent of tooth damage, and dental history will be evaluated first to determine which will be the best option for you.

TMJ Disorder Treatment: If you are experiencing popping/clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth, tenderness of the jaw, grinding of the teeth (bruxism), headaches, pain in and around the ear, neck aches, or an uncomfortable bite, it could indicate Temporalmandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ).

Book an appointment with Dr. Wilhite right away to start treatment. He has devoted several hundreds of hours towards TMJ disorders and specializes in using the least invasive treatments possible.

Dental Fillings: If you have a cavity, it will need to be filled to prevent further damage to the teeth. During your dental checkup, if we suspect any abnormality, we will X-ray your entire mouth (or a section of it) to determine the extent of the decay. We use natural-looking, composite fillings, which are considered the gold standard and can last 5-7 years. Fillings are quick, painless, and performed under local anesthesia.

Dental X-rays: Since teeth are bones, it’s very easy to diagnose their health using X-Rays. We use both Panoramic X-rays (to examine the entire jaw) and traditional X-rays (to examine a single tooth). This is an essential part of dental care for children as it allows us to see how their teeth are forming.

Dentures: Whether you are looking for partial dentures, full dentures, implant-supported dentures, a replacement for your old dentures, or a brand-new pair, we can help. Our custom-made dentures are comfortable and top of the line. We work with a local dental lab and master technician to ensure your dentures fit you like a glove.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Wilhite is one of the leading cosmetic dentists in Plano and surrounding areas in Texas. He has dedicated his career to perfecting the art of cosmetic dentistry from full mouth rehabilitation with crowns and veneers to simple dental fillings.

Dental Implants & Implant Dentistry: Missing teeth no longer have to undermine your self-confidence with dental bridges and implants that use advanced materials.

During your appointment, our team will explain how your implants will be placed and they will also carry out a thorough oral exam to accurately diagnose your condition and create the best treatment plan. Dr. Wilhite will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist for the implant placement.  Once healed, you will return to Dr. Wilhite for your implant crown.

Full Mouth Restorations: When you have one damaged tooth, Dr. Wilhite is usually able to crown it or fill it quickly and effectively. But if you have multiple infected, damaged, or broken teeth as well as gaps, a full-mouth restoration might be a better option.

Dr. Wilhite’s extensive training and interdisciplinary approach in treating full mouth cases makes him the best dentist for major dental reconstruction. He will examine your gums and oral health to determine the condition of any teeth that are whole and what needs to be removed completely. He will fully evaluate your mouth to make a note of any cracks, wear, decay, cavities, gum disease, root canal issues, and the health of your jaw before creating a treatment plan.

Invisalign Braces: When it comes to straightening your teeth, there’s nothing that beats Invisalign in efficacy and aesthetics. To straighten your crooked or misaligned teeth, we offer convenient Invisalign braces, regardless of your age. We begin by taking digital dental scans of your teeth and then send these to a dental lab where the aligners are custom-fabricated. Once the aligners are completed, Dr. Wilhite will personally ensure that your Invisalign braces fit you perfectly.

Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns and bridges are used to cover damaged teeth and replace missing teeth, respectively. Dr. Wilhite has pioneered an advanced technique that blends your natural teeth with the crowns for enhanced appearance.

Porcelain Veneers: We frequently use high-quality porcelain veneers to disguise discolored teeth (if teeth whitening has failed) as well as to close gaps between teeth. These are a poignant option if you’re looking to enhance your smile and correct any kind of tooth imperfection, such as chips, stains, gaps, and misalignments.

Dr. Wilhite can custom-design porcelain veneers to match the exact shape and color of your surrounding teeth, helping you achieve a vibrant, confident, and natural-looking smile.

Teeth Whitening: This is one of our most popular cosmetic services in Plano, TX. If your teeth have darkened due to medications, smoking, certain foods and drinks, aging, genetics, or any other reason, our teeth whitening procedure is just what the doctor ordered! Our in-office Zoom whitening treatment gives you immediate results.

Full Mouth Restoration And Dental Surgery

“I lucked into Dr. Wilhite and his delightful staff about a year or so ago. I’ve had some fairly serious dental issues for a while, lots of crowns and implants. Dr. Wilhite takes his time during exams, carefully explains what is going on, discusses options and then recommends the treatment (or in my case, treatments) needed. After 4 crowns, 2 implants, a few fillings, several cleanings and a lot of time and care, my mouth is in better shape than it’s been in, in decades.” – Todd Myerscough

If you have several missing, discolored, broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, you can count on Dr. Wilhite and our entire staff to give you the glorious smile you’ve always dreamed of. Dr. Wilhite has successfully transformed the smiles of hundreds of men, women, and children in Plano.

Unlike a mouth makeover, which is strictly cosmetic in nature, a full-mouth restoration involves correcting several problems of the teeth, gums, and jaw. From broken teeth to the loss of tooth enamel to severe tooth decay and cavities, a complete restoration treatment can do it all.

During this treatment, Dr. Wilhite will evaluate your specific dental needs and goals to determine which procedures may need to be performed. He will create a customized action plan during your initial appointment. While every person is different, some of the most common procedures in a full-mouth restoration include:

Dental Fillings: The purpose of fillings is to restore teeth that have been damaged, restore their normal function and appearance, and prevent further damage.

Dental Crowns: Crowns not only protect your existing teeth that have been cracked, chipped, broken, or decayed, but also improve the appearance of your smile.

Root Canals: A root canal is performed to repair teeth that have been severely damaged by infection or decay.

Dental Implants: If the root portion of one or more of your teeth is missing, an implant can be placed. It is placed into the jaw surgically and serves as a permanent and solid foundation for artificial teeth, restoring your ability to chew as well as the appearance of your smile.

No matter what state your teeth are in right now, once Dr. Wilhite is done, your teeth will be healthier and stronger, and your smile will be as glowing as you’d ever imagined.

Pediatric Dentistry

“I’ve been going to Dr. Wilhite since I was 11 years old! Even though I’ve now moved out of state, I consider Dr. Wilhite the only dentist I trust and make a point of scheduling my appointments during my visits home. The entire staff from the front office to the dental hygiene staff to the dentist himself makes it a priority to make you feel like a valued patient. My whole family including the kids love Dr. Wilhite’s office, and are loyal patients.” – Julia

Our goal is to provide your little ones with a cozy atmosphere to help them build excellent oral care habits early in their lives. Dr. Wilhite and his team treat each child with compassion and respect as they become comfortable with dental treatment, be it a regular checkup and cleaning or something more complicated like orthodontics, bondings, crowns, and cavity fillings.

From the initial appointment at your child’s third birthday to the day they graduate and “leave the nest”, our practice is committed to providing the very best dental care through clinical excellence, clear communication, and genuine concern.

Here are just a few things that make us the best pediatric dental practice in Plano:

Anxiety-Free Care: Dr. Wilhite as well as our dental hygienists and other staff go the extra mile in alleviating any anxiety associated with dental appointments. We offer drawing books and other fun incentives to encourage our little patients to look forward to their visit with us.

One-On-One Relationship: Every child is different and we try our best to treat them as such, which helps them gain confidence in us. We explain what we are doing in easy, friendly language so your child can understand what’s going on – we have found that this works wonders in taking away any anxiety they may be feeling.

Comprehensive First Visit: Before we do any work, you and your child will be introduced to our entire team. Depending on what’s necessary, x-rays may be taken to assess your child’s oral health. During this examination, we will check their mouth, neck, and head, and then discuss with you the results of the exam and required treatment. We may also do a teeth cleaning and preventive fluoride treatment during this first visit.

Preventive Dentistry: Dr. Wilhite believes in teaching and motivating children on how to care for their teeth so they build good oral hygiene habits early on and stay away from dental issues. It’s a joint effort between us, you, and your child to create these habits! Teeth cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatment, and preventive resin restorations (when necessary) are measures taken to prevent a cavity. A check-up every 6 months will also help ensure your child’s teeth are growing the way they should.

Restorative Dentistry: If your child has developed cavities, we offer a variety of restorative procedures in combination with the most appropriate sedation techniques for their safety and comfort.

We offer complete dental care for children, including:

• Digital x-rays
• Fluoride treatments
• Tooth extractions
• Dental sealants
• Metal-free dental fillings
• Emergency dental services
• Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia
• And much more

Note: Dr. Wilhite doesn’t see children below the age of 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting a new dentist can be nerve-wrecking. If you’re feeling a little anxious or you just want to be best prepared for your visit with us, check out these answers to some of the questions we routinely get from new patients like you regarding their first visit:

What will happen during my first visit?

There’s no need for you to be apprehensive about your initial appointment, unless, of course, you are facing an urgent care dental emergency! Our friendly receptionist will welcome you to the office and give you a couple of forms to fill out. After you are checked in, one of our dental assistants will take you for a checkup and go over your medical and dental history. We will also take some digital images and x-rays of your mouth.

Then you’ll meet Dr. Wilhite and have chat about your dental health and goals. He will discuss what issues you may have and possible treatment options. Depending on what you want, he will create a treatment plan, and from there you’ll be able to schedule your next appointment.

Will I get my teeth cleaned during the initial appointment?

Yes, patients usually receive a cleaning at the first appointment.

What information do I need to bring with me?

For your new patient form, you’ll need to bring a list of any current medications you are taking (including vitamin and herbal supplements), your insurance cards, and any notes about your dental and/or medical history. If you are transferring from another dental practice, we’d also suggest asking them to forward all your dental records to us for a better experience.

Will you take x-rays?

If you have had your dental x-rays taken within the last 6 months or so, this is usually not necessary. Otherwise, we will need these digital images to see what’s going in within your tooth structure and under your gums. If we notice any issue while taking your x-rays, we will take a few more for a clearer picture of your mouth.

Will I have a chance to talk to Dr. Wilhite?

It can be reassuring to be able to speak directly with your new dentist and ask them questions regarding your situation, especially if you suffer from dental fear. During your appointments, Dr. Wilhite will spend time with you going over your oral healthcare needs.  While talking with you, he will answer any questions and ease any fears or concerns you may have.  His goal is to comfort and educate his patients.

How do I know what my insurance will cover?

We recommend calling your insurance provider directly to learn what they will cover. You can usually find this information on their website. You can also read your dental policy paperwork to see whether the procedure you want is covered or not. If it’s something major, our office can provide you with an estimate. This will help you know what you are likely to owe after any deductible, co-insurance, and policy maximum.

Will you provide a quote for the recommended treatments?

Yes, we will. We don’t like to throw unexpected costs on our patients, so we always provide a detailed estimate for all treatment services.

What do I do if I don’t have any dental insurance?

We have worked with many patients who didn’t have any insurance so don’t worry, just call us to learn about your options. Dr. Wilhite has always emphasized accessible, affordable, and quality dental care, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

For Healthy Teeth And A Great Smile, Visit The Dental Offices Of Dr. David Wilhite

If you’re looking for the most skilled and dependable dentist in Texas, look no further than Dr. David Wilhite. With unrivaled expertise, countless awards and accolades, and a deep commitment to his patients, there isn’t a challenge Dr. Wilhite can’t handle. Now that you know what to expect from your first visit with the dental offices of Dr. David Wilhite in Plano, TX, it’s time to set up your appointment.

Start the journey towards better oral health and get your dream smile today! You can fill out this form or call our office directly at 972-964-3774 to request a dentist appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, we are ready to answer you promptly.