Dr. Francine Megan Lopez – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Francine Megan Lopez is a Dentist. Practicing at Bridlewood Orthodontic Center in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Lopez is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lopez 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. Lopez 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. Lopez 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 Bridlewood Orthodontic Center.

Dr. Francine Megan Lopez earned a Dental Degree from Charles Sturt University, graduating in 2019. With over 5 years of practice since 2020, Dr. Lopez has built a strong foundation of clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Lopez is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment and care.

Key aspects of Dr. Lopez's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Lopez provides consultations in English.

Dr. Francine Megan Lopez 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Common Dental Issues

• 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.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Lopez. 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): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

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

At Bridlewood Orthodontic Center, 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. Lopez frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lopez develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.
• Patients experiencing a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Lopez's practice, a key objective is their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• A key objective when treating their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed at Dr. Lopez's welcoming dental clinic is achieving the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• If persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions or causing discomfort, Dr. Lopez offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Bridlewood Orthodontic Center, where Dr. Lopez practices, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lopez at Bridlewood Orthodontic Center?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lopez and the team at Bridlewood Orthodontic Center 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. Lopez will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 further minimize exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Lopez 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 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, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lopez will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Lopez's specific recommendation is essential.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lopez 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

What is Bridlewood Orthodontic Center's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Lopez. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50-$100. Specific fee information is available from the clinic. We appreciate your cooperation.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Lopez for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Bridlewood Orthodontic Center.

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. Lopez. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Lopez identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

Bridlewood Orthodontic Center
2900 Warden Ave #265
Scarborough, ON, M1W 2S8

Dr. Francine Megan Lopez 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: 122750

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=122750

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