Dr. Alan David Poole – Dentist | Sarnia, ON

Dr. Alan David Poole is a Dentist. Practicing at Lambton Family Dental in Sarnia, ON, Dr. Poole is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Poole is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Poole provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Poole serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Lambton Family Dental.

Dr. Alan David Poole earned a Dental Degree from University Of Detroit Mercy, graduating in 2015. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. Poole has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Poole is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Poole remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, benefiting patients with the most effective and comfortable treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Poole's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Poole provides consultations in English.

Dr. Alan David Poole 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.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Poole. 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. Alan David Poole adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Lambton Family Dental, 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. Poole frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Poole expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues.
• Dr. Poole provides dedicated support for patients going through a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth at Dr. Poole's practice is consistently achieving a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Poole about a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal is to attain a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.

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

Lambton Family Dental, where Dr. Poole practices, is situated in the Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood of Sarnia. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Sarnia Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Poole 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).

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Poole. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Poole identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Poole will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Poole's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Poole 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.

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

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

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Poole can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Poole can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

In ON, 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 or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Poole at Lambton Family Dental?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Poole will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

Lambton Family Dental
387 Exmouth St
Sarnia, ON, N7T 5N8

Phone: (519) 344-5747

Dr. Alan David Poole 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: 110555

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=110555

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Poole 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.