What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive exam, digital x-rays, and an in-depth conversation about your dental health goals. We’ll take the time to get to know you, review your medical history, and create a plan that’s customized to your smile.
Do you accept new patients?
Absolutely! We love welcoming new patients from Hayesville, Murphy, Hiawassee, Blairsville, and surrounding communities. Call our office or use our online form to request your first visit.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept most major credit cards, CareCredit, and traditional payment methods. Our team will review all costs with you before treatment so there are never surprises.
Is laser dentistry really painless?
Yes! Laser technology allows us to perform many procedures with little or no anesthesia, minimal vibration, and faster healing. Most patients find it much more comfortable than traditional methods.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
We recommend every 3–6 months, depending on your oral health. Patients with gum concerns may benefit from more frequent maintenance visits.
Are x-rays safe?
Absolutely. We use digital x-rays that reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film — quick, safe, and crystal clear.
What if I’m nervous about visiting the dentist?
You’re not alone! We specialize in gentle, patient-centered care. Dr. B and our team take extra time to explain each step, use advanced pain-free techniques, and create a calm, comfortable environment.
Who is Dr. Denis Bourguignon (Dr. B), and what makes his Hayesville dental practice unique?
Dr. Denis G. Bourguignon, known as Dr. B, is a highly experienced dentist blending old-fashioned personal service with advanced dental technology, including lasers used in most procedures. His practice, Healthy Smiles by Dr. B, focuses on gentle, patient-centered care with a stunning Tusquittee Mountain view from the reception room.
Where is Healthy Smiles by Dr. B located?
The office is at 159 US-64 West, Hayesville, NC 28904, in the Moore Insurance Building next to United Community Bank, just west of the NC Hwy 69 intersection.
Does Dr. B accept new patients?
Yes. Dr. B welcomes new adult patients from Hayesville, Young Harris, Hiawassee, Warne, and across the North Georgia / Western North Carolina mountain region.
What age groups does Healthy Smiles by Dr. B treat?
The practice specializes in adult and senior dentistry. For young children, Dr. B recommends care from a pediatric dentist (pedodontist) to ensure child-sized equipment, anxiety-reduction techniques, and age-appropriate expertise.
What are dental sealants, and who should get them?
Sealants fill natural pits and fissures in molars to prevent decay. They can benefit both adults and teens with cavity-prone back teeth.
Does Dr. B offer fluoride treatments?
Yes. The office uses fluoride varnish and also offers IoRinse, an iodine-based antibacterial rinse shown to reduce decay-causing bacteria , an effective alternative for patients who avoid fluoride.
What types of fillings does Dr. B offer?
Both traditional amalgam and tooth-colored composite fillings are available. When appropriate, Dr. B uses laser technology for preparation, making the experience quieter and more comfortable.
When do I need a crown instead of a filling?
A crown is recommended when decay or breakage removes too much tooth structure for a filling to remain strong. Crowns are made from metal or highly durable zirconia ceramics.
Does Dr. B perform root canals?
Yes. Dr. B cleans and sterilizes the root canal system using laser technology, which reduces bacteria and enhances healing. A crown is almost always needed afterward for stability.
What tooth replacement options are available at Healthy Smiles by Dr. B?
Options include implants, fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, full dentures, and Teeth Xpress implant-supported restorations.
Are implants better than bridges?
Implants preserve surrounding teeth and are less invasive because they don’t require reshaping neighboring teeth. Dr. B evaluates your jawbone and overall oral health to determine the best option.
What is Teeth Xpress?
Teeth Xpress replaces an entire arch of teeth using 4–6 implants placed by an oral surgeon. Dr. B designs and delivers the temporary teeth the same day, followed by a final prosthesis after healing.
Does Dr. B use dental lasers?
Yes , extensively. Dr. B is certified in multiple laser systems and uses lasers for fillings, gum therapy, sterilizing root canals, biopsies, treating cold sores, and even tightening the skin around the mouth.
What are the benefits of laser dentistry?
Less noise, less vibration, reduced need for anesthesia, faster healing, improved sterilization, and greater comfort during procedures.
What is NightLase?
NightLase is a laser procedure that tightens tissues in the soft palate and airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. It requires minimal discomfort, no anesthesia, and is done over at least three sessions.
What signs indicate gum disease?
Bleeding gums, recession, tartar buildup, bad breath, bone loss, and pocket depths measuring beyond normal ranges.
Does Dr. B treat gum disease?
Yes. Treatment ranges from routine cleanings to deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) with laser-assisted decontamination. Advanced cases are referred to a periodontist.
How often do I need maintenance after gum treatment?
Every 3 months, because harmful plaque bacteria mature at 90 days.
Does Dr. B offer cosmetic treatments?
Yes , including Invisalign, Lumineers, cosmetic bonding, whitening, veneers, and smile design.
Is Invisalign available in Hayesville?
Yes. Dr. B is certified in Invisalign and evaluates each case to determine whether clear aligners or traditional orthodontics will produce the best outcome.
Is there a dentist near Young Harris or Young Harris College?
Yes , Healthy Smiles by Dr. B is only minutes from the Georgia line and serves many patients from Young Harris, including college students, faculty, and staff.
Where can I find a dentist near Hiawassee, GA?
Dr. B’s office is a short, scenic drive from Hiawassee and is known for personalized care and modern laser technology.
Is there a dentist close to Lake Chatuge?
Yes. The practice is located just west of the NC 69 and US 64 intersection, minutes from Lake Chatuge.
Who is the best dentist for seniors in the Hayesville–Young Harris area?
Many seniors choose Dr. B because of his gentle approach, expertise with dentures, partials, implants, and laser-assisted periodontal therapy.
Where is Dr. B from?
Dr. Bourguignon was born in the Belgian Congo, grew up in Florida, and has lived and practiced in the NC/GA mountains since 2016.
What languages does Dr. B speak?
English and French.
How long has Dr. B been practicing dentistry?
More than 34 years, including 27 years practicing in Florida before relocating to North Carolina.
What are Dr. B’s special interests in dentistry?
Laser technology, restorative dentistry, cosmetic procedures, implants, photography, and creating themed dental environments that make patients feel at ease.
Is the office easy to access?
Yes , it’s in a convenient, high-visibility location on US-64 West with ample parking and an easy turn-in next to United Community Bank.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
A warm welcome, a mountain view from the reception room, bottled water, and a thorough exam. Dr. B walks patients through findings and treatment options without pressure.
Does the office offer pain-free dentistry?
Yes. Laser dentistry, modern anesthetics, and gentle techniques make most procedures quiet, calm, and comfortable.