Dr. Andrew MacDonald – Dentist | LaSalle, ON

Dr. Andrew MacDonald is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Sandwich West Dental Centre in LaSalle, ON, Dr. MacDonald is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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. MacDonald also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Andrew MacDonald earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2016. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. MacDonald offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Oral; N/A. Dr. MacDonald is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. MacDonald 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 Sandwich West Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. MacDonald's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. MacDonald provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.

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

At Sandwich West 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. MacDonald frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. MacDonald's comprehensive care for ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem is meticulously designed to result in their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations without dental worries.
• Dr. MacDonald provides dedicated support for patients going through wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances, always aiming for positive outcomes like their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
• Through Dr. MacDonald's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli often find they can readily achieve their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them is a common journey for patients under Dr. MacDonald's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, so that daily routines and pleasures like singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun become straightforward again.

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

Sandwich West Dental Centre, where Dr. MacDonald practices, is situated in a central location within the LaSalle neighborhood of LaSalle. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. MacDonald is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. MacDonald also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed. They may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Sandwich West Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. MacDonald.

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

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

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. MacDonald 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). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. MacDonald at Sandwich West Dental Centre?

Your first visit will 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. MacDonald will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

Sandwich West Dental Centre
5725 Malden Rd
LaSalle, ON, N9H 1R9

Phone: (519) 966-1616

Dr. Andrew MacDonald 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: 109340

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=109340

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