FAQ's
- What type of practice do you have?
- What does "Small is Beautiful" mean?
- Do you see emergencies?
- How do I become a patient in your practice?
- What types of insurance do you accept?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What kind of results can I expect from whitening treatments?
- On what days of the week do you see patients and what are your hours?
- Where are you located?
- What do I need to bring to my appointment?
What type of practice do you have?
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Our practice has two primary focuses: advanced cosmetic/implant/restorative treatment, and general family dental services.
- The advanced cosmetic/implant/restorative services we offer treat people with varying cosmetic, implant or dental reconstructive needs.More complex cases may require careful coordination with other dental specialists, directed by Smiles @ France. In many of these cases, patients clench or grind their teeth at night, fracturing, chipping and wearing them away.
- Our general family dental practice involves seeing people of all ages, helping them to keep their smiles healthy, comfortable and beautiful for a lifetime with an emphasis on active daily preventive care.
What does "Small is Beautiful" mean?
- "Small is Beautiful" refers to our practice management philosophy: we keep our practice small enough to know you by name, not a number. We are able to offer our patients more individual attention, resulting in a higher level of dental care.
- Our patients rarely have dental emergencies in the form of broken teeth or dental abscesses requiring root canal care or extractions. When you have a practice with too many patients, it becomes difficult to keep up with your patient's care, putting their needs off until a crisis erupts.
- In a smaller, more manageable practice, your dental health is better managed and we do not have to deal with frequent daily emergency care. It makes coming to work each day a joy!
- We are like the television show "Cheers", "Where everybody knows your name. And we're always glad you came..." The teeth that walk into our office sure bring a lot of nice people with them.
- You bet! Call us as soon as you can and we will make every attempt to see you promptly. Once you have initiated your care with us, these emergencies should occur rarely, if ever.
How do I become a patient in your practice?
- There are several ways to make your initial visit with us:
- An Initial Comprehensive Examination involves a thorough dental interview and review of your medical history. We then take any necessary radiographs, do a cancer screening exam, check the health of your TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint), carefully evaluate the health of your gums, study how your teeth fit and any concerning wear patterns, then check your teeth for signs of decay, looseness or fractures. If your needs are simple, a treatment plan can be presented that day. If your needs are more complex, we will study our findings and present your options at a second consultation visit.
- Limited Examination appointments are available for people in urgent dental pain or with an urgent cosmetic problem. This examination will be performed to address only the immediate concern; additional appointments may be required to complete that care.
- A No Obligation Cosmetic, Implant or Restorative Consultation is a complimentary service offered to people who have rather complex cosmetic, implant or restorative needs and wish to discuss their dental treatment with us. This is a "get acquainted" visit that has proven to be invaluable for those who want to interview Dr. Cook before proceeding with their care. Examinations and treatment plans are not developed during this interview. The patient schedules Comprehensive Examination to follow.
What types of insurance do you accept?
- We participate in insurance plans that do not restrict your options.
- We do not participate in dental plans that restrict your choice of provider or place limits that may influence your choice of care options. We place a high value in being able to offer you a range of care opportunities and we will not be limited by your plan.
- Most of the "better" dental plans allow you to see the dentist of your choice and allow you to consider today's advancing options for care.
- You should ask yourself, "What treatment choices are being restricted when my plan restricts who I can see?"
What forms of payment do you accept?
- We accept cash, checks, CareCredit®, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and DiscoverCard.
- We have limited in–house payment plans available that can be pre-arranged with our administrative staff.
- For more extensive care, we offer an extended payment plan at very reasonable terms through a local bank or CareCredit®.
What kind of results can I expect from whitening treatments? Will I need to come back for multiple treatments? Are there home treatment options available?
- We have been offering whitening to our patients since 1991. The results vary from good to stunning. A lot depends on the initial color and condition of your teeth, your tendency to develop sensitivity and your persistence.
- Most of our patients have preferred the Home Whitening Program. This includes wearing custom trays fabricated in our office and the application of the whitening materials in the privacy of your home.
- A newer product, Tres White©, has given many of our patients excellent results without the expense of custom trays. It is especially suited for whitening touch-ups and whitens your ten front teeth—including your first molars!
- We offer in-office Power Whitening for those patients in a hurry or with teeth that are resistant to whitening. One hour can significantly alter your shade. Some need more than one visit or to supplement this with home whitening to achieve the results they desire.
On what days of the week do you see patients and what are your hours?
- We see patients by reserved appointments on:
- Mondays: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Tuesdays: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Wednesdays: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Thursdays: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM ***
- We are closed on Fridays and weekends
- Our business hours are:
- Monday through Thursday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Some Thursdays have shorter hours and may be closed ***
We are located in the Pinehurst Building at the intersection of 50th Street & France Avenue in downtown Edina. We are located on the northeast corner of this intersection.
4999 France Avenue South, Suite 230
Minneapolis, MN 55410
- Phone: 612-824-7033
- Fax: 612-285-5438
- E-mail: info@SmilesAtFrance.com
- There is plenty of free parking behind and underneath the building.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- If you have received our Welcome Packet, please complete your Dental Questionnaire, Medical History, and Registration forms. Also bring your dental insurance coverage card.
- Previous dental records, especially x-rays, if possible. We can arrange for their transfer.
- Your questions and concerns so we can ensure you a thorough addressing of all your needs and desires.