Dr. Bernard James Conway – Dentist | Bowmanville, ON

Dr. Bernard James Conway is a Dentist. Practicing at Bowmanville Smiles Dental Centre in Bowmanville, ON, Dr. Conway is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Conway 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. Conway 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. Conway 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 Bowmanville Smiles Dental Centre.

Dr. Bernard James Conway earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1986. With over 39 years of practice since 1986, Dr. Conway has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Conway is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Conway's dental practice philosophy include: 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; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Conway provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.

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

At Bowmanville Smiles 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. Conway frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Conway's comprehensive care for their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort is meticulously designed to result in achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily without dental worries.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Conway to see patients who were troubled by a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal successfully achieve their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
• Many people seek Dr. Conway's professional help and expertise when dealing with a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Dr. Conway provides dedicated support for patients going through experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth, always aiming for positive outcomes like their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.

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

Bowmanville Smiles Dental Centre, where Dr. Conway practices, is situated in a central location within the Bowmanville neighborhood of Bowmanville. 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Conway at Bowmanville Smiles Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Conway and the team at Bowmanville Smiles 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. Conway will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). 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 Bowmanville Smiles Dental Centre.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Conway will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between visits. It is essential to follow Dr. Conway's specific recommendation.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Conway promptly.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Conway 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Conway 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).

Bowmanville Smiles Dental Centre
222 King St E #1100
Bowmanville, ON, L1C 1P6

Phone: (905) 697-8000

Dr. Bernard James Conway 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: 10774

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10774

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