Dr. Bruce Thomas Gardner – Dentist | Burlington, ON

Dr. Bruce Thomas Gardner is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Gardner Dental Group in Burlington, ON, Dr. Gardner is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gardner 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. Gardner 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. Gardner 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. Gardner 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 Gardner Dental Group.

Dr. Bruce Thomas Gardner earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1982. With over 43 years of practice since 1982, Dr. Gardner 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. Gardner is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Gardner's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Gardner provides consultations in English.

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• 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.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

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. Gardner. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Professional-grade bleaching solutions and techniques to achieve a noticeably whiter, more vibrant, and radiant smile under dental supervision.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.

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

At Gardner Dental Group, 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. Gardner frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Gardner's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals is focused on achieving their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage without dental concerns.
• Patients experiencing a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Gardner's practice, a key objective is their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• Many people seek Dr. Gardner's professional help and expertise when dealing with a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Gardner to see patients who were troubled by a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture successfully achieve their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.

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

Gardner Dental Group is situated in the Downtown Burlington, Central neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington City Hall and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Gardner offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Gardner understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Gardner Dental Group may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Gardner during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gardner 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). Dr. Gardner also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Gardner 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 ON, provincial health plans (like OHIP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket or through private dental insurance. Patients should verify any potential public coverage and check their private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Gardner will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs and risk factors. Some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gardner at Gardner Dental Group?

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

Gardner Dental Group
777 Guelph Line #213
Burlington, ON, L7R 3N2

Phone: (905) 632-3633

Dr. Bruce Thomas Gardner 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: 9724

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9724

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