Donna Franklin-Pitts, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care at her clinic in Tyler, TX. She is a registered provider with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients.
Dr. Franklin-Pitts is a dentistry practitioner in Tyler, TX with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her degree from Howard University in 1996. With this extensive and dedicated experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to her patients. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Franklin-Pitts offers consultations in Spanish. Please call (903) 593-2330 to schedule an appointment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Franklin-Pitts is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Franklin-Pitts provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases. She emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and oral health goals, while also recognizing the connection between oral and overall systemic health.
By working together, you and Dr. Franklin-Pitts 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
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- BlueDental Choice & Choice Plus DPPO
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Advantage DPPO
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Florida Blue
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- 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
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Franklin-Pitts offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Broken Tooth: Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage to your broken tooth and recommend the best treatment option, such as bonding, a filling, or a crown.
- Cavity: Cavities are damaged areas in your teeth caused by bacteria, and your dentist can restore your tooth's health with a filling.
- Chipped Tooth: A broken or chipped tooth can cause pain and sensitivity; a general dentist can fix the chip, preventing further problems.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is gum inflammation, often causing redness, swelling, and bleeding gums; your dentist can diagnose and manage it to prevent further gum disease.
- Gum Disease: Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are signs of gum disease, a serious condition your dentist can detect and treat to help preserve your teeth and overall oral 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: Your dentist can identify and repair tooth decay, which happens when acid from plaque eats away at your tooth enamel, causing holes and potential infection.
- Tooth Discoloration: Tooth discoloration is a change in the natural color of your teeth, and a general dentist can help determine the cause and recommend treatments like whitening or veneers.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss impacts your overall health and confidence; your general dentist can help restore both with different replacement options tailored to your needs.
- Toothache: A toothache is pain in or around a tooth, and your general dentist can diagnose the cause (like a cavity or infection) and provide treatment like fillings or root canals.
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. Franklin-Pitts offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Dental Onlay: If you have a significant amount of tooth structure missing but not enough to require a crown, a dental onlay could be a suitable, conservative treatment option.
- Porcelain Bridge: This tooth replacement option uses porcelain fused to metal for strength and a natural appearance, restoring both function and aesthetics.
- Gum Disease Treatment: If you have gum disease, treatment involves cleaning and removing bacteria to save your teeth and gums.
- Dental Restoration: Dental restoration is the process of repairing damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function and appearance.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning is a more effective way to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar, reducing your risk of gum disease and cavities compared to manual cleaning.
- Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling, often combined with polishing, helps maintain fresh breath and a brighter, healthier smile.
- Digital X-Ray (CDR): Digital X-rays help your dentist accurately assess the health of your teeth and jawbone, crucial for planning procedures like implants or dentures.
- Dental Inlays: To address moderate to severe tooth decay or damage, a dentist might use a dental inlay, a stronger, more customized filling option.
- Periodontal Exam: During a periodontal exam, your dentist assesses the health of your gums and supporting tissues to diagnose and manage gum disease.
- Pediatric Filling: Pediatric fillings are a common treatment to repair cavities in children's teeth, preserving the tooth's health and appearance.
- Nightguard: Nightguards are a preventative measure to safeguard your teeth and jaw from the damaging effects of teeth grinding.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This treatment, often used for gum disease, involves carefully cleaning the roots of your teeth to eliminate infection and promote healing.
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. Franklin-Pitts 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 for a broken tooth, a patient was able to enjoy their favorite foods without pain or discomfort. The dentist's guidance and care helped the patient regain their oral health and confidence.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient experienced significant pain relief and restored tooth health, enabling them to enjoy their favorite foods again without discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
631 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX, 75701
Phone: (903) 593-2330
View on Map
- Howard University (Medical School) - 1996
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Franklin-Pitts:
- 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 but also 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. Franklin-Pitts 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, even if they don't have any pain. These visits are crucial for prevention, as they allow the dental team to remove tartar buildup and identify problems like cavities or gum disease early, before they cause significant issues.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious gum disease if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene.
- 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.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root, or worn-down enamel. Dr. Franklin-Pitts can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual examination of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Dr. Franklin-Pitts performs this important part of every routine dental exam to help detect oral cancer early, which is key to successful treatment.
631 S Broadway Ave
Tyler TX 75701
Phone: (903) 593-2330
Donna Franklin-Pitts, 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): 1588677025
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. Donna Franklin-Pitts 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.