Dr. Christina Elizabeth Van Bakel

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Bakel. 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: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At Clinton Dental Clinic, 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. Bakel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Bakel often consults with patients whose an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options significantly limits their enjoyment of singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care, involves working systematically towards feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. Dr. Bakel expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Bakel with concerns about experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment, making a positive and lasting return to replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Patients presenting with their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral) can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment under Dr. Bakel'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.

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

Clinton Dental Clinic, where Dr. Bakel practices, is situated in a central location within the Clinton neighborhood of Clinton. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Bakel 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 crucial to follow Dr. Bakel's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 by OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is important to check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Clinton Dental Clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bakel is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). General Dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bakel at Clinton Dental Clinic?

At your first appointment, Dr. Bakel and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You can expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals you have, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Bakel will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You are welcome to contact Clinton Dental Clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Bakel.

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 also used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Bakel 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).

Clinton Dental Clinic
218 Ontario St PO Box 35
Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0

Phone: (519) 482-9392

Dr. Christina Elizabeth Van Bakel 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: 123831

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=123831

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