Dr. Douglas James Litchfield – Dentist | Huntsville, ON

Dr. Douglas James Litchfield is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at N/A in Huntsville, ON, Dr. Litchfield is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Litchfield 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. Litchfield 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. Litchfield 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. Douglas James Litchfield earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1987. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Litchfield 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. Litchfield is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Litchfield 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.

Key aspects of Dr. Litchfield's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Litchfield provides consultations in English.

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

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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 Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• 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.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Litchfield. 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. Douglas James Litchfield 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. Litchfield frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Litchfield expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, means they can happily and comfortably get back to being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.
• Dr. Litchfield's comprehensive care for feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning is meticulously designed to result in receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem without dental worries.
• Understanding the frustration noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity can cause, Dr. Litchfield tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• If wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth is preventing you from fully enjoying replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile or causing discomfort, Dr. Litchfield offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Litchfield's practice, which is N/A, is situated in a central location within the Huntsville neighborhood of Huntsville. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Litchfield 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 treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Litchfield 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 which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to minimize any further exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Litchfield 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 to see a general dentist like Dr. Litchfield?

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

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

Yes, Dr. Litchfield 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, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Litchfield during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Litchfield at N/A?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Litchfield and the team at N/A will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Litchfield will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 check the details of your private dental insurance and any potential public coverage before starting treatment at N/A.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density. Dr. Litchfield can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Litchfield can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist if appropriate.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Litchfield will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Litchfield's specific recommendation.

N/A
29 Main St E #203
Huntsville, ON, P1H 2C6

Phone: (705) 788-9229

Dr. Douglas James Litchfield 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: 12320

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12320

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