About
Dr. Debra Ann Marie Shoniker is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at N/A in Washago, ON, Dr. Shoniker is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shoniker 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. Shoniker 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. Shoniker 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. Shoniker 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 N/A.
Dr. Debra Ann Marie Shoniker earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1986. With over 39 years of practice since 1986, Dr. Shoniker 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Shoniker is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Shoniker's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Shoniker provides consultations in English.
Dr. Debra Ann Marie Shoniker 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
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
- Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
Dental Anxiety Phobia
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
Dental Pain Emergency
- Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
- Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Shoniker. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
- Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
- Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
- Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Shoniker. 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. Debra Ann Marie Shoniker adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At N/A, 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. Shoniker frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- When their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity, Dr. Shoniker and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized and a return to comfort and confidence.
- For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession, Dr. Shoniker offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
- With Dr. Shoniker's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit is focused on achieving their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain without dental concerns.
- Dr. Shoniker provides dedicated support for patients going through a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered, always aiming for positive outcomes like having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Shoniker, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Shoniker is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Shoniker's practice, which is N/A, is situated in a central location within the Washago neighborhood of Washago. 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.
- I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Shoniker offer any sedation options?
- Yes, Dr. Shoniker understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, N/A may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Shoniker during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.
- 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). Always verify potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Shoniker typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Shoniker provides primary dental care, offering preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns), basic endodontics (root canals), simple extractions, initial gum disease management, and may offer cosmetic procedures. They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Shoniker 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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay). Dr. Shoniker determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.
- What is N/A's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?
- We request at least 24 business hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments cancelled with less notice or missed may be subject to a cancellation fee. Specific fee information is available from the clinic.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Shoniker for a check-up and cleaning?
- Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Shoniker will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs and risk factors.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shoniker at N/A?
- Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth and gums, and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Shoniker will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A cleaning may also be performed.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Shoniker?
- No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist.
N/A
8291 County Rd 169 Box 190
Washago, ON, L0K 2B0
Phone: (705) 689-6600
Dr. Debra Ann Marie Shoniker 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: 10720
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10720
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Shoniker 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.