Dr. Elisabeth Croteau – Dentist | Baie-Comeau, QC

Dr. Elisabeth Croteau is a Dentiste. Practicing at Santé Dentaire Baie-Comeau in Baie-Comeau, QC, Dr Croteau is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Croteau is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr Croteau 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 Croteau 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 Santé Dentaire Baie-Comeau.

Dr. Elisabeth Croteau earned a Dental Degree. Dr Croteau brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Croteau is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Croteau remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available. This dedication to professional development reflects Dr Croteau's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Key aspects of Dr Croteau's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr Croteau provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• 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 Croteau. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

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

At Santé Dentaire Baie-Comeau, 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 Croteau frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr Croteau often consults with patients whose a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces significantly limits their enjoyment of their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Effectively addressing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them with Dr Croteau's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing and social interactions.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed, Dr Croteau offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• For patients where a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns is a primary concern, Dr Croteau focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.

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

Santé Dentaire Baie-Comeau, where Dr Croteau practices, is situated in a central location within the Baie-Comeau neighborhood of Baie-Comeau. 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.

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 always used to 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 Croteau 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Croteau 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr Croteau's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Croteau at Santé Dentaire Baie-Comeau?

Your first visit with Dr Croteau 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 Croteau 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.

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

In Quebec, provincial health plans like the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (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). It is strongly recommended that patients verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance before starting treatment at Santé Dentaire Baie-Comeau.

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

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

Santé Dentaire Baie-Comeau
625 Boul. Laflèche
Baie-Comeau, QC, G5C 1C5

Phone: (418) 589-3000

Dr. Elisabeth Croteau 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: 14116

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 Croteau 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.