Dr. Douglas Roy Mason – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Douglas Roy Mason is a Dental Anesthesiologist. Practicing at Current River Dental Care in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Mason is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mason 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. As a certified specialist in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Mason is dedicated to providing advanced pain and anxiety control for dental procedures. This includes the administration of various levels of sedation (moderate, deep) and general anesthesia in a dental setting, ensuring optimal patient safety, comfort, and monitoring for individuals with significant dental fear or phobia, special healthcare needs, or those undergoing extensive, complex, or traumatic dental treatments. Dr. Mason 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 Current River Dental Care.

Dr. Douglas Roy Mason earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1984. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Dental Anaesthesiologist at the University of Toronto in 1989. With over 41 years of practice since 1984, Dr. Mason's extensive clinical experience has provided them with a deep understanding of patient needs and the most effective treatment strategies. Dr. Mason is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care based on the latest advancements in dental anesthesiology and related fields. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Mason's dedication to providing the most effective and compassionate care possible.

Key aspects of Dr. Mason's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Mason provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Douglas Roy Mason addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Complex Surgical Dental Procedures Anesthesia

• Extensive, Complex, or Traumatic Dental/Oral Surgical Procedures Necessitating Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia: Patients undergoing lengthy, intricate, or potentially traumatic dental or oral surgical procedures (e.g., multiple complex impacted wisdom teeth extractions, full mouth extractions with immediate denture placement, extensive bone grafting or sinus lift procedures, major dental implant surgery, orthognathic surgery, significant facial trauma repair) for which deep sedation or general anesthesia is clinically indicated for optimal patient comfort, safety, immobility, and ideal surgical conditions. Administered by a dental anesthesiologist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Severe Dental Anxiety Phobia Anesthesia

• Profound Dental Fear, Phobia, or Anxiety Requiring Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia for Dental Treatment: Patients with extreme, unmanageable dental anxiety, severe phobia, or specific psychological conditions (e.g., PTSD related to past dental trauma) that prevent them from undergoing necessary or elective dental treatment under local anesthesia or minimal/moderate conscious sedation alone. These individuals often require the specialized services of a dental anesthesiologist or an oral surgeon with advanced anesthesia qualifications for the administration of deep sedation or general anesthesia in a suitably equipped and certified dental office, surgicenter, or hospital setting.

Special Needs Dental Anesthesia

• Patients with Significant Special Healthcare Needs or Medical Compromises Requiring Anesthesia/Deep Sedation for Dental Care: Requiring advanced anesthesia care and meticulous physiological monitoring to safely enable necessary dental treatment for patients with complex health profiles or an inability to cooperate due to their condition.

Failed Local Anesthesia Cases

• History of Inadequate or Failed Local Anesthesia for Dental Procedures: Patients who consistently experience insufficient numbness or failed local anesthesia during dental treatments, despite multiple attempts or techniques by their general dentist, potentially due to anatomical variations, acute infection, or high anxiety levels, thus requiring referral for sedation or general anesthesia to complete necessary dental work comfortably.

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

• Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia for Dental Procedures (Specialist Administered): The highest level of sedation and anesthesia care for dental patients who cannot be treated under local anesthesia or conscious sedation.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Advanced 3D dental imaging for precise diagnostics in implant placement, orthodontics, endodontics, or oral surgery cases.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Mason is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Current River Dental Care, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Mason's clinic, addressing a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation at Dr. Mason's practice is consistently achieving their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• Dr. Mason expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options, means they can happily and comfortably get back to maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Mason to see patients who were troubled by the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding successfully achieve experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Mason, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Mason is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Current River Dental Care, where Dr. Mason practices, is situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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. Mason. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Mason 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mason at Current River Dental Care?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Mason and the team at Current River Dental Care 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. Mason will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Who typically needs the services of a Dental Anesthesiologist like Dr. Mason?

Patients who often benefit from a Dental Anesthesiologist like Dr. Mason include those with severe dental phobia, young children unable to cooperate, patients with special healthcare needs (medical, physical, or cognitive challenges), or those undergoing very long, complex, or traumatic dental/oral surgical procedures where deep sedation or general anesthesia is the safest and most effective option for care delivery.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Current River Dental Care directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Mason.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Mason 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 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 and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Mason will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Mason's specific recommendation.

Current River Dental Care
901 Red River Rd, Unit 3
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 1K3

Phone: (807) 768-8001

Dr. Douglas Roy Mason is a licensed Dental Anesthesiologist 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: 10168

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10168

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