Choosing the right dentist in Stoney Creek means understanding the various dental specialties and services available to you. At Lakeside Dental, we provide comprehensive general dentistry while maintaining strong relationships with specialists when advanced care is needed. Understanding different dental specialties helps you make informed decisions about your oral health care.

General Dentistry Services Provided by Your Dentist in Stoney Creek

A general dentist in Stoney Creek serves as your primary oral health care provider for most dental needs. General dentistry encompasses a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments. Most patients receive the majority of their dental care from their general dentist throughout their lives.

Preventive Care Services

Essential preventive services offered by a dentist in Stoney Creek include:

• Regular dental cleanings and examinations
• Fluoride treatments for cavity prevention
• Dental sealants to protect vulnerable teeth
• Oral cancer screenings during routine visits
• X-rays to detect problems early
• Patient education on proper oral hygiene techniques

Preventive care forms the foundation of good oral health and helps avoid more complex treatments later. Your dentist in Stoney Creek focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums through regular preventive visits.

Restorative Dental Treatments

Common restorative procedures performed by a dentist in Stoney Creek include:

• Dental fillings for cavities and tooth decay
• Crowns to restore damaged or weakened teeth
• Bridges to replace missing teeth
• Root canal therapy for infected teeth
• Dentures for multiple missing teeth
• Basic tooth extractions when necessary

These treatments restore function and appearance to damaged or missing teeth. A skilled dentist in Stoney Creek can handle most restorative needs in their general practice setting.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Many cosmetic treatments are available from your dentist in Stoney Creek:

• Professional teeth whitening for brighter smiles
• Porcelain veneers to improve tooth appearance
• Tooth-colored fillings for natural-looking restorations
• Cosmetic bonding to repair minor imperfections
• Smile makeovers combining multiple treatments
• Gum contouring for improved smile aesthetics

At Lakeside Dental, we offer various cosmetic options to help patients achieve their desired smile goals. These treatments can significantly improve confidence and overall satisfaction with your appearance.

When Your Dentist in Stoney Creek Refers to Specialists

While a general dentist in Stoney Creek can handle most dental needs, certain situations require specialized expertise. Referrals to specialists ensure you receive the most appropriate care for complex conditions. Understanding when referrals are necessary helps you prepare for comprehensive treatment.

Orthodontic Referrals

Your dentist in Stoney Creek may refer you to an orthodontist for:

• Complex bite problems requiring specialized treatment
• Severe crowding or spacing issues
• Jaw alignment problems affecting function
• Adult orthodontic treatment needs
• Interceptive treatment for growing children
• Surgical orthodontics requiring coordination with oral surgeons

Orthodontists specialize in moving teeth and correcting bite relationships. They have advanced training in tooth movement and facial development that goes beyond general dentistry education.

Oral Surgery Referrals

Situations requiring oral surgery referral include:

• Complex tooth extractions including impacted wisdom teeth
• Dental implant placement requiring surgical expertise
• Jaw surgery for severe bite problems
• Treatment of oral pathology and suspicious lesions
• Facial trauma requiring specialized surgical care
• Bone grafting procedures for implant preparation

Oral surgeons have extensive training in surgical procedures and anesthesia management. They handle cases that require surgical expertise beyond the scope of general dentistry.

Periodontal Specialist Referrals

Your dentist in Stoney Creek may refer you to a periodontist for:

• Advanced gum disease requiring specialized treatment
• Gum recession problems affecting multiple teeth
• Complex periodontal surgery procedures
• Dental implant placement in compromised areas
• Aesthetic gum procedures for smile enhancement
• Management of systemic conditions affecting gums

Periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and supporting structures around teeth. They have advanced training in both surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments.

Comprehensive Care Coordination Between Your Dentist in Stoney Creek and Specialists

Effective communication between your dentist in Stoney Creek and specialists ensures seamless care coordination. This collaborative approach provides the best possible outcomes for complex treatments. Proper coordination prevents treatment conflicts and ensures all providers work toward common goals.

Treatment Planning Coordination

Key aspects of coordinated care include:

• Comprehensive treatment planning involving all necessary specialists
• Clear communication about treatment goals and timelines
• Coordination of appointment scheduling for efficiency
• Regular progress updates between all providers
• Modification of treatment plans as needed
• Ongoing monitoring throughout complex treatments

At Lakeside Dental, we maintain close relationships with trusted specialists in the Stoney Creek area. This network ensures our patients receive excellent care when referrals are necessary.

Maintaining Continuity of Care

Important elements of care continuity include:

• Regular communication between your dentist in Stoney Creek and specialists
• Shared treatment records and progress notes
• Coordinated follow-up care after specialist treatment
• Integration of specialist recommendations into ongoing care
• Long-term monitoring of treatment outcomes
• Adjustment of maintenance protocols as needed

Your dentist in Stoney Creek remains your primary oral health coordinator even when specialists are involved. We ensure all aspects of your care work together effectively.

Benefits of Coordinated Dental Care

Advantages of well-coordinated care include:

• More efficient treatment with better outcomes
• Reduced treatment time through proper planning
• Lower overall costs through coordinated approaches
• Better communication about treatment progress
• Comprehensive monitoring of all dental needs
• Seamless transitions between different phases of treatment

Choosing the Right Dentist in Stoney Creek for Your Needs

When selecting a dentist in Stoney Creek, consider their approach to comprehensive care and specialist relationships. At Lakeside Dental, we pride ourselves on providing excellent general dentistry while maintaining strong specialist networks. This approach ensures you receive appropriate care for all your dental needs.

Our team at Lakeside Dental coordinates with trusted specialists throughout the Stoney Creek area. We’re located at 369-377 Regional Rd 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1E7. Call us at 905-664-0808 to learn more about our comprehensive approach to dental care.