Dr. Catherine Gagnon

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• 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.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Gagnon. 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. Catherine Gagnon adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At CENTRE DENTAIRE SAINT-BASILE, 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 Gagnon frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr Gagnon understands that dealing with wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity and feeling their best.
• For patients where looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults is a primary concern, Dr Gagnon focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.
• When ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth, Dr Gagnon and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) and a return to comfort and confidence.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable, involves working systematically towards their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. Dr Gagnon expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.

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

CENTRE DENTAIRE SAINT-BASILE, where Dr Gagnon practices, is situated in a central location within the Saint-Basile-le-Grand neighborhood of Saint-Basile-le-Grand. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr Gagnon. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr Gagnon identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Gagnon will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr Gagnon's specific recommendation.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr Gagnon typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr Gagnon 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding, if offered). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of CENTRE DENTAIRE SAINT-BASILE's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of CENTRE DENTAIRE SAINT-BASILE’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (450) 461-1558. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr Gagnon or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Saint-Basile-le-Grand area.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In QC, provincial health plans (like RAMQ) 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). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Gagnon at CENTRE DENTAIRE SAINT-BASILE?

Your first visit with Dr Gagnon 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 Gagnon 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.

CENTRE DENTAIRE SAINT-BASILE
54a Rue De Longueuil
Saint-Basile-le-Grand, QC, J3N 1H3

Phone: (450) 461-1558

Dr. Catherine Gagnon is a licensed Dentiste in QC, regulated by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) under the Code des professions & Loi sur les dentistes (Québec).

License Number: 93779

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

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