Dr. Francine Lavoie

Dr. Francine Lavoie 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: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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

• 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.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At BASE MILITAIRE VALCARTIER, 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 Lavoie frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr Lavoie helps patients strive for their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This makes participating in activities such as maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Dr Lavoie expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, means they can happily and comfortably get back to travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• With Dr Lavoie's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming is focused on achieving a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle without dental concerns.
• Effectively addressing ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem with Dr Lavoie's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post and social interactions.

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

Dr Lavoie's practice, BASE MILITAIRE VALCARTIER, is situated in a central location within the Courcelette neighborhood of Courcelette. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr Lavoie can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr Lavoie can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr Lavoie 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 if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It is important to follow Dr Lavoie's specific recommendation.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr Lavoie typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr Lavoie is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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 Lavoie 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 Lavoie?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact BASE MILITAIRE VALCARTIER directly to arrange their visit with Dr Lavoie.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Lavoie at BASE MILITAIRE VALCARTIER?

At your initial appointment, Dr Lavoie and the team at BASE MILITAIRE VALCARTIER 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 Lavoie 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In QC, provincial health plans (like 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). Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment at BASE MILITAIRE VALCARTIER.

BASE MILITAIRE VALCARTIER
Détachement De La 1ère Unité Dentaire Édifice 168 Cp1000 Succ Forces
Courcelette, QC, G0A 4Z0

Phone: (418) 844-5000

Dr. Francine Lavoie 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: 92815

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 Lavoie 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.