Dr. Brett James Cerqua – Dentist | Belleville, ON

Dr. Brett James Cerqua is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Bridge Street Dental Centre in Belleville, ON, Dr. Cerqua is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Cerqua 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. Cerqua 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. Cerqua 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. Brett James Cerqua earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2007. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Cerqua 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: N/A. Dr. Cerqua is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Cerqua 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 Bridge Street Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Cerqua's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; 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. Cerqua provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At Bridge Street 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. Cerqua frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits under Dr. Cerqua's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Dr. Cerqua 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 their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence..
• If their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Cerqua develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking.
• For patients where the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding is a primary concern, Dr. Cerqua focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in receiving a definitive diagnosis for an unusual growth or spot in their mouth, leading to appropriate action. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.

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

Bridge Street Dental Centre, where Dr. Cerqua practices, is situated in the West Hill, Loyalist neighbourhood of Belleville. The clinic is conveniently located near Shorelines Casino Belleville and is accessible via Belleville Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment at Bridge Street Dental Centre.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Cerqua 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 (every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Cerqua's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Cerqua at Bridge Street Dental Centre?

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

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

No, you generally don't need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Cerqua for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with Bridge Street Dental Centre.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Cerqua is the primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services: 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 (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Cerqua may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using 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. Cerqua will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

Bridge Street Dental Centre
208 Bridge St E #101
Belleville, ON, K8N 1N8

Phone: (613) 966-2777

Dr. Brett James Cerqua 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: 73016

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=73016

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