Dr. Erin McDonald

Dr. Erin McDonald 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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.

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

At Broadway Family Dental, 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. McDonald frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. McDonald about their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention is to attain clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing, Dr. McDonald offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches with Dr. McDonald's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits once more.
• Dr. McDonald understands that dealing with wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes and feeling their best.

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

Broadway Family Dental, where Dr. McDonald practices, is situated in a central location within the Tillsonburg neighborhood of Tillsonburg. 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.

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

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

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 provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Broadway Family Dental.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. McDonald will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. Dr. McDonald will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits may be needed for active gum disease or high caries risk). Follow Dr. McDonald's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McDonald at Broadway Family Dental?

At your first appointment, expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss dental issues or goals, and have a detailed examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. McDonald will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. McDonald provides primary dental care for all ages, offering preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial gum disease management, and cosmetic procedures (if offered). They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. McDonald may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Yes, Dr. McDonald understands dental anxiety. Broadway Family Dental offers various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety with Dr. McDonald during your consultation to determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach.

Broadway Family Dental
584 Broadway St
Tillsonburg, ON, N4G 3S7

Phone: (519) 842-4344

Dr. Erin McDonald 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: 92309

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92309

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