Dr. Patricia Simmons, DDS

About

I was born and raised in a very rural area of western Pennsylvania. I moved to the Detroit area to do undergraduate work in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Michigan University where I received my Bachelor of Science Degree. I worked in this field primarily in the areas of adult and adolescent psychiatry both in the U.S. and Canada. I later moved to Chicago where I worked as an Occupational Therapist in the areas of developmental disabilities for a school district. Once I transitioned into dental school at Loyola University, I continued to work as an O.T. in the area of home health, facilitating independent living with adult post-stroke cases. Once I graduated Loyola University School of Dentistry as a General Dentist, I went into practice with my husband, Paul Simmons, D.D.S., M.S., a periodontist. We have three wonderful adult children and one wonderful son-in-law. We also have quite a collection of pets. Spending time with our family is what we cherish the most. I also enjoy bicycling, kayaking, sewing and gardening. The field of dentistry is evolving rapidly. I have routinely expanded my knowledge base through continuing educational seminars and courses. "White" or composite filling materials and methods are many generations into development as are the adhesives and bonding agents associated with their application. Dental implants are a routine consideration for many treatment situations. Coordinating a treatment plan and identifying the optimum implant restoration are crucial skills to meet a demand for these options. Today's dentures are available in an array of materials from rigid to highly flexible resins. Dentures can be designed to "snap" into implants and still be removed for cleaning; dentures can also be fixed into implants. Oral surgery, from simple extractions to those of a surgical nature with the associated alveoloplasty, are common in today's practice environment. Periodontal care is crucial as restorative treatment plans must be based on healthy bone and soft tissue. Medical advances have now demonstrated a connection between oral pathogens and other systemic disorders, particularly of a cardiac nature. Periodontal or "gum" care varies from deep cleanings, scaling and root planing with or without the intrasulcular antibiotics, to surgical correction of periodontal defects with bone grafting when indicated, as well as soft tissue laser recontouring. Crown lengthening procedures are often needed to provide the optimum biologic width for the associated soft tissue health as well as to provide adequate retention for the future crown. Today's crowns are available in many materials, and the field of ceramics has given dentists very durable and aesthetic options. The cements appropriate for the array of crowns allows for cosmetics, strength, and durability. Keeping up with the evolution of dentistry, digital x-rays and the impact of other digital technology, the materials and methods, as well as sterilization protocols, staff and patient safety, the privacy act, and more, requires that we dentists be fully dedicated and engaged in our practice. I am a member of the American Dental Association and have received a Lifetime Achievement Award. I am also a member of the Illinois State Dental Society and the Chicago Dental Society. I am committed to a high standard of excellence in dentistry for each patient under my care. My goal is to understand what each person's dental concerns are, to identify and diagnose oral disease states, to effectively communicate these to the patient, and then together, to determine what options work best in their particular situation. The ultimate goal is a healthy, disease-free, beautiful smile and an effective functional chewing ability. Our staff is friendly and well-equipped to help each patient with a financial plan that best suits their personal circumstances.