Dr. Barbara Francoise Phipps

Dr. Barbara Francoise Phipps provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Phipps. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Phipps. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Barbara Francoise Phipps adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Hawkesbury Dental Centre, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Phipps frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Phipps helps patients strive for the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This makes participating in activities such as sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Managing a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Phipps and the dental team. The clear aim is always a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Phipps to see patients who were troubled by having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard successfully achieve feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Phipps about a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long is to attain their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist). This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Phipps, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Phipps is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Hawkesbury Dental Centre, where Dr. Phipps practices, is situated in a central location within the Hawkesbury neighborhood of Hawkesbury. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario provide coverage for children. It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Hawkesbury Dental Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Phipps at Hawkesbury Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Phipps and the team at Hawkesbury Dental Centre will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Phipps will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Phipps typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Phipps is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Phipps for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Phipps will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Phipps's specific recommendation.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Phipps?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Phipps for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Hawkesbury Dental Centre.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Phipps will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Hawkesbury Dental Centre
1400 Cameron St
Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 3T1

Phone: (613) 632-5656

Dr. Barbara Francoise Phipps is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 49897

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=49897

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Phipps and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.