Dentistry in France

Dentistry, also known as oral medicine and dental medicine, is a branch of medicine that comprises the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the teeth, supporting structures, and the soft tissue of the mouth. Although the field of dentistry is mainly associated with teeth among the general public, it is actually not limited to teeth but also encompasses the treatment and conditions of the jaws and oral cavity, such as cleft palate.

In addition to general practice, dentistry has a number of specialties and subspecialties, including:

• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – this involves the straightening of teeth and the modification of midface and mandibular growth. While orthodontics involves the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics entails the guidance of facial growth and development, which mostly occur during childhood.
• Pediatric dentistry – also known as pedodontics, pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty dealing with the care of children’s teeth.
• Periodontics – this dental specialty is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the periodontal membrane, as well as related tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.
• Prosthodontics – this dental specialty involves the restoration and maintenance of oral appearance, function, and comfort using prostheses, such as crowns. This specialty also provides oral prostheses to correct deformities, such as cleft palate.
• Endodontics – this involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, as well as the surrounding tissues.
• Public health dentistry – this dental specialty’s primary concern is the prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease (disease of tissues that surrounds the teeth). On a larger scale, it involves the improvement of oral health in large populations.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery – this involves the extractions, implants, and surgery of the mouth, jaws, and face.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology – this involves the study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology – this involves the study, diagnosis, and, in some cases, treatments of oral and maxillofacial related diseases.
• Special needs dentistry – this specialty deals with dental treatments for those with developmental and acquired disabilities.
• Geriatric dentistry – also known as geriodontics, this specialty delivers dental care to older adults and involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of problems associated with age-related diseases.

Dental treatments are performed by a dental team, which usually consists of dentists and dental auxiliaries (dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental technicians, and dental therapists).

What does the Procedure Involve?

A range of medical and cosmetic procedures are used to diagnose and manage issues that affect the jaws, teeth, and oral cavity. The following are some of the most common dental procedures:

• Comprehensive examination – this type of procedure evaluates your overall oral health. A comprehensive dental exam typically includes dental evaluation, dental health assessment, bite and jaw examination, cavity check, restoration examination, teeth cleaning and stains removal, dental X-Rays, oral cancer screening, medications review, and a lesson on oral hygiene. A general dentist will discuss with you your current oral health, including your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and any other oral health problems they may have seen through the examination. If any potential issues are found, your dentist will give you their prevention recommendations.
• Routine cleanings – this type of procedure is carried out to remove the buildup of tartar and bacteria that accumulate in between your teeth and gums. Routine mouth cleaning is important to maintain good oral health.
• Dental bonding – this procedure is used to repair decayed, chipped, discolored, or fractured teeth, as well as to reduce gaps between teeth. It can also be used to build up older teeth in order to make them appear younger. The goal of the procedure is to improve a person’s smile. During this procedure, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth. Then, the resin is hardener under an ultraviolet laser or light. Afterward, the resin material is shaped and polished to ensure the result looks natural and smooth.
• Braces – a dental brace is a device used to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. It can improve the health and appearance of your smile. It works by exerting steady pressure over time to gradually move your teeth into alignment.
• Crowns and caps – a dental crown or cap is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a decayed, broken, badly stained, or misshaped tooth to improve its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal, metal, ceramic, or resin. Before a crown is placed, the existing tooth is filed down. Then, the crown is applied over it using special cement, thus fully encasing the tooth. The whole process is usually performed under local anesthetic.
• Bridges – Dental bridges are used to close (or bridge) the gaps in your teeth if you have missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap. It can be made from a wide variety of materials, even gold. However, dental bridges are typically made from porcelain to make it blend in with your natural teeth.
• Implants – Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium that provide a strong foundation for the attachment of removable or permanent crowns. It is done to replace damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants can look and function much like real teeth. The process of placing a dental implant can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
• Extractions – a severely damaged tooth due to excessive tooth decay or tooth infection that cannot be saved needs to be pulled out. Tooth extractions may also be done to resolve crowding, as well as for those who get braces. Tooth extraction procedure can be simple or surgical, depending on the state of your tooth. Simple tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthetic, while surgical tooth extraction may involve general anesthesia.
• Dentures – dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They can be complete or partial. Partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth still remain, while complete dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing.
• Gum surgery – mostly known as periodontal surgery, this type of procedure is often required to treat certain gum conditions and diseases, such as periodontitis or gingivitis. Its goal is to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused.
• Filling and repairs – to treat a cavity, the decayed portion of the tooth can be removed and then “filled.” Fillings can also be done to repair broken or cracked teeth.
• Veneers – Dental veneers are custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can change the color, size, shape, and length of your teeth to improve your appearance. It can be made from resin composite or porcelain. However, the most popular material is porcelain as they look more natural than composite veneers.
• Root canals – this procedure is done to repair and save a tooth that becomes infected or badly decayed. The root canal procedure involves removing the pulp and nerve from a tooth. The inside of your tooth is then cleaned and sealed. This procedure can prevent the tissue that surrounds the tooth from being infected.

How Long Should I Stay in France?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you get. For most dental procedures, you can leave the clinic or hospital on the same day. However, if you undergo a surgical procedure, then you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Note that most dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete. Therefore, although you can leave the hospital on the same day, you may need to stay in France for several days or weeks until all of your appointment is completed. In some cases, you may need two separate travel to France.

What's the Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the procedure you undergo, the reason you need the procedure, and your general health. Your dentist will give you a recovery timeline, which includes the time frame when you can go back to work, resume your normal routine, and perform vigorous activities, such as exercise.

What About Aftercare?

Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. The instructions may include diet, restrictions, and how to care for the treated area. You may feel some discomfort and pain for the first few days and your dentist may prescribe pain medications. Make sure to take the medications as instructed.

To maintain the result of your procedure, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash every day. It is also important that you have dental examinations regularly. In addition, you need to avoid damaging habits, such as biting your nails or chewing hard items.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of dentistry is constantly improving and advancing. Experienced and skilled dentists should be able to provide high success rates for the procedures they perform. Still, risks and side effects are possible. These include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding structures. To avoid these risks and side effects, make sure to choose a certified dentist with proven track records.

Are there Alternatives to Dentistry?

Any problems in your jaw, teeth, and oral cavity are diagnosed, treated, and prevented by the practice of dentistry. Therefore, there are no other alternatives than to see your dentist. However, if your problem is found to be caused by other diseases, your dentist may refer you to the relevant doctors.

Dentistry in and around France

About France

France, renowned for its architecture, art, cinema, cuisine, fashion, literature, music, and wine, with the most significant attraction being its glorious capital city, Paris - home to the famous Eifel Tower. With its small medical tourism industry, France sees far fewer medical tourists than its neighbors Germany and Spain, however, many travel each year for Dentistry procedures among other popular procedures. Other than Paris, popular locations for private medical centers, include Bordeaux, Lyon, and Montpellier.

Popular Parts of France

France has welcomed more than 80 million visitors in the past few years. The country does have a lot to offer, from culture to iconic landscapes, making it an ideal place to spend a memorable holiday. 

• Paris, the capital of France, is an international center of culture, fashion, art, and gastronomy. Hundreds of writers have written about their love of this city, and it is easy to see why. With thousands of years of history, the city is filled with iconic monuments. Some of the most famous and most visited landmarks are the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. This stunning city is also known for its art nouveau cafes with pretty chairs lining the terrace and the beautiful banks of the Seine that are perfect for romantic walks. 
• Bordeaux is known for its wine, lively restaurant scene, and the futuristic La Cité du Vin. Tourists can take a tour of a winery and taste some of the world’s best wines. Complete the wine tour by visiting La Cité du Vin, an ultra-modern cultural center that provides comprehensive information about wine production. Other than the wine, there are countless things that tourists can do in this city. Visit Place de la Victoire, a pretty square with amazing architecture, or visit Musée D’Aquitaine to see historical collections from all around the Aquitaine region.
• Lyon is the third-largest city in France and it is famous for its cuisine and historical landmarks. The city was an important area for silk production and had lots of trade with Italy and tourists can see the Italian influence in the city’s architecture. The city attracts travelers to come and visit its many museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Museum of Miniatures, and Textile Museum. Tourists who love cinema will be delighted to explore the Lumiere Institute. Since Lyon is famous for its gastronomic scene, tourists should taste its famous specialties in a Bouchon.
• Nice is the second-largest tourist destination in France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city is brimming with stunning beaches, hilltop lookouts, and glamorous restaurants. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it is always filled with sun-seekers all year round. The city in the past also attracted many artists such as Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The city pays tribute to the artists in its top museums, the Musée Chagall and the Musée Matisse.
• Marseille is the second most populated city in France. Found by Greek sailors in 600 BC, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe. With a complex history, it is now a melting pot of different cultures. Discover the city by shopping in one of the colorful markets like the Noailles market. Do not forget to visit the Calanques to admire its beauty, wander around the interesting Mucem, get lost in Le Panier, and stroll around the scenic Corniche.     

Weather and Climate in France

France generally enjoys mild summers and cold winters except in the Mediterranean area, which enjoys mild winters and hot summers. Spring starts in March and ends in April and the streets in spring are bursting with colors, making it a beautiful time to visit the country. It rains a lot during this season but the weather will start to brighten up in April. The temperature ranges between 7.5 °C in early March and 13.6 °C in May. June is when the summer starts and this season is a high season for tourism. The average temperature in summer is around 24 °C and the season experience little rainfall (around 11 days every month). 

Autumn lasts from September to November. With an average of 12 °C, the temperature is still pretty mild to enjoy some outdoor activities. The temperature will slowly decrease in November when it reaches an average of 7.5 °C. Autumn is also the season of grape harvests, meaning it is a great time for wine tours. Winter is during the months of December to February and the weather can be really cold during this season with an average temperature of 5 °C. Despite the cold, December can be a delightful time to visit the country since it is one of the most festive months in France.

Getting Around in France

France has 34 airports, but the busiest are the airports in Paris: Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in France and the second largest in Europe. The airport serves domestic and international flights. It connects France with almost every country around the globe. It also serves budget airlines such as EasyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle. While Charles de Gaulle airport serves as the main airport, Orly Airport serves as a secondary hub for domestic and overseas territories flights. 

Traveling around France is easy. The wide range of airports let tourists travel around the country quickly by domestic flights. The country also has a great rail system since it is the creator of the earliest high-speed train system. The TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse) connects 150 cities in the country and Europe. It speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Other than the TGV, there are also Intercity trains, TER, and AutoTrain. The easiest way to buy train tickets is online. The prices vary widely but you will get good bargains if you book early. Before getting on the train, remember to validate your ticket in yellow machines known as compostage de billets.

Taxis can be found easily around France and you can hail a taxi from a taxi rank (station de taxi) outside railway stations, airports, or main areas in cities. You can also hail one directly from the street or by telephone. The taxis are metered and the base fare is around €4.10. If there are more than four passengers, there will be an extra fee of €2.50 and the driver can charge an extra €2 if you have a lot of luggage and Taxis are usually more expensive in Paris.

Tourist Visas in France

France is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, holders of ordinary passport from 62 countries including Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States do not need a visa to enter the country for short stays of up to 90 days. Other nationals not listed need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check at the nearest France embassy or consulate for a France visa.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency in France is the Euro (€). US$1 converts to €0.85.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs (known as DAB - distributeurs automatiques de billets) are widely available in the country, particularly in airports, train stations, and street corners. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels. Tipping can sometimes be mandatory, usually around 10% in restaurants.
3. Local Language: French is the official language. Most people in large cities will speak English, especially in hotels and tourist sites. But it is better to know some French.
4. Local Culture and Religion: France has a diverse religion under secular principles. The major religion in the country is Christianity, but other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism are freely practiced. 
5. Public Holidays: There are 11 official public holidays in France, including New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Bastille Day, and Christmas Day.