Dr. Alison Marjorie McGuire – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Alison Marjorie McGuire is a Periodontist. Practicing at Dentistry on Catherine Street in Ottawa, ON, Dr. McGuire is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. McGuire 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. As a certified specialist in Periodontics, Dr. McGuire focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Services include non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapies, gum grafting, bone grafting, and the surgical placement and maintenance of dental implants, as well as management of peri-implant diseases. Dr. McGuire 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 Dentistry on Catherine Street.

Dr. Alison Marjorie McGuire earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 2010. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Periodontics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. McGuire's clinical experience is extensive. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for Dentoalveolar CT Scans. Dr. McGuire is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. McGuire's dental practice philosophy include fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; and tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. McGuire provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. Alison Marjorie McGuire addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.

Peri Implantitis Mucositis

• Inflammation or Infection Around Dental Implants (Peri-Implant Mucositis/Peri-Implantitis): Signs of gum inflammation (redness, swelling, bleeding) around a dental implant (peri-implant mucositis), or more advanced infection involving bone loss around the implant (peri-implantitis), requiring prompt specialist care.

Dental Implant Complications

• Complications with Existing Dental Implants (e.g., Peri-implantitis, Loosening, Fracture): Addressing a range of complications that can arise with dental implants to maintain their health, function, and aesthetics, which may involve non-surgical or surgical interventions.

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

• Comprehensive Periodontal Examination & Diagnosis: Specialist evaluation to determine the extent and severity of periodontal disease and create a tailored treatment plan.
• Surgical Periodontal Treatments (e.g., Pocket Reduction, Regenerative Procedures): Advanced surgical procedures to treat severe periodontitis, including pocket reduction surgery (gingivectomy/gingivoplasty), bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and other techniques to restore periodontal health and regenerate lost tissues.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. McGuire is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dentistry on Catherine Street, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. McGuire's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care often find they can readily achieve their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their child participating happily in school photos and social activities.
• Managing a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. McGuire and the dental team. The clear aim is always their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Patients presenting with their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment under Dr. McGuire's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Dr. McGuire often consults with patients whose one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly significantly limits their enjoyment of their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. McGuire, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. McGuire is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dentistry on Catherine Street, where Dr. McGuire practices, is situated in the Centretown South (Golden Triangle) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Confederation Square and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. McGuire 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).

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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McGuire at Dentistry on Catherine Street?

Your first visit with Dr. McGuire will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a 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. McGuire will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. McGuire will recommend a personalized schedule based on 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. McGuire's specific recommendation.

Dentistry on Catherine Street
240 Catherine St #404
Ottawa, ON, K2P 2G8

Phone: (613) 234-1211

Dr. Alison Marjorie McGuire is a licensed Periodontist 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: 85224

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=85224

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