Andrew Fossum, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Garland, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care. Registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act), Dr. Fossum understands the vital role of oral health in overall well-being. General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients.
Dr. Andrew Fossum, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Garland, TX and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He earned his degree from University Of Texas Health San Antonio School Of Dentistry in 2008. Dr. Fossum is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is accepting new patients and can be reached at (972) 496-0164 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Fossum provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Fossum is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Fossum provides comprehensive general dentistry care, emphasizing preventative measures and the connection between oral and systemic health. He prioritizes clear communication and a personalized treatment plan, ensuring each patient understands their options and actively participates in their oral health journey. His approach integrates diagnostic skills, proactive treatment strategies, and collaboration with other healthcare providers to deliver holistic patient care.
By working together, you and Dr. Fossum can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus 20 DHMO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Coventry Health Care
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Maintenance Organization DMO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Managed DentaGuard
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
- Wellpath Preferred PPO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Fossum offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Cavity: Tooth decay leads to cavities, which are tiny holes in the enamel that your dentist can repair with fillings or other treatments.
- Chipped Tooth: Chipped teeth, whether small or large, should be seen by a dentist to prevent infection and improve the tooth's overall health.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a common gum problem characterized by inflamed gums, and your dentist provides treatments and guidance on prevention to keep your gums healthy.
- Grinding of Teeth: Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? You might be grinding your teeth at night, a problem your dentist can help manage to protect your teeth and alleviate discomfort.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease is caused by bacteria buildup and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated; your dentist provides regular checkups and treatments to prevent and manage it.
- Periodontitis: Your dentist plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, using methods like scaling and root planing to restore your gum health.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, and your general dentist can drain it, prescribe antibiotics, and potentially perform a root canal to save the tooth.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by acid produced from bacteria, and a general dentist can treat these with fillings or other restorative options.
- Tooth Discoloration: General dentists provide treatments for tooth discoloration, ranging from simple cleaning to cosmetic procedures like whitening or porcelain veneers to restore your teeth's natural color.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, a general dentist can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile and improve your oral function with options such as bridges or dentures.
- Toothache: Toothaches are a sign of a problem with your tooth, such as decay or an abscess, and your dentist can help relieve the pain and fix the underlying issue.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Fossum offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Composite Fillings: Instead of using metal, composite fillings use tooth-colored resin to fill cavities, creating a natural-looking repair.
- Dental Bonding: If you have a small cavity or a slightly damaged tooth, dental bonding can be a quick and relatively inexpensive way to restore it.
- Dental Bridge: If you're missing teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap, improving your smile, chewing ability, and speech.
- Dental Crown: Crowns are used to cover teeth after root canal treatment, making them strong and durable again.
- Denture Repair: If your dentures are cracked, loose, or uncomfortable, repair services can restore their usability.
- Lower Dentures: If you've lost lower teeth, lower dentures provide a full or partial set of artificial teeth to improve your smile and oral function.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: This treatment aims to prevent gum disease from worsening by addressing inflammation and infection with scaling and root planing.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Oral cancer screenings are quick checks during your regular dental visit to detect any early signs of mouth cancer.
- Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers offer a conservative way to dramatically improve the aesthetics of your teeth, providing a beautiful, long-lasting solution.
- Root Canal: When decay or trauma deeply affects a tooth, a root canal is performed to remove the infected pulp, disinfect the area, and fill it to prevent future infection.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions remove teeth that are damaged, decayed, or causing other oral health problems.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are custom-fitted to replace all of your upper teeth, offering a comfortable and natural-looking restoration.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Fossum is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient experienced significant pain relief and restored a healthy, confident smile, successfully managing their cavity.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from a dentist, a patient successfully managed a chipped tooth, restoring its appearance and preventing further complications. The patient felt confident knowing their tooth was cared for properly.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
4880 N President George Bush Hwy, Garland, TX, 75040
Phone: (972) 496-0164
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263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030
Phone: (860) 679-2000
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6 Talcott Forest Rd Apt T, Farmington, CT, 06032
Phone: (860) 679-2000
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- University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (Medical School) - 2008
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Fossum:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth and gums, but also your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Fossum can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months. These visits are essential for preventing problems like tartar buildup and early cavities or gum disease, which can become painful or costly to treat.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, causing dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the existing one is significantly worn. A proper fit is vital for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity can be caused by receding gums exposing tooth roots, worn-down enamel, or other issues like cavities or cracked teeth. Dr. Fossum can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, and evaluate for underlying problems.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis). This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch for a small area of damage, while a crown is a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing strength and protection.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge, restoring a natural look and feel, and can help preserve the jawbone.
4880 N President George Bush Hwy
Garland TX 75040
Phone: (972) 496-0164
Andrew Fossum, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1699921403
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Andrew Fossum are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.