Dr. François Dodier

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

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: 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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• 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.
• 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: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• 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.

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

At Centre Dentaire Lapointe, 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 Dodier frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development with Dr Dodier's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health and social interactions.
• Dr Dodier often consults with patients whose their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession significantly limits their enjoyment of knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• At Dr Dodier's clinic, addressing their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation with Dr Dodier's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits once more.

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

Centre Dentaire Lapointe, where Dr Dodier practices, is situated in a well-regarded dental office in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near Chambly Canal National Historic Site and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Dodier at Centre Dentaire Lapointe?

Your first visit with Dr Dodier 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 Dodier 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.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Centre Dentaire Lapointe directly to arrange their visit with Dr Dodier.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr Dodier 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr Dodier's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or to plan more complex treatments. Dr Dodier 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, provincial health plans like RAMQ typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. 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). 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 at Centre Dentaire Lapointe.

Centre Dentaire Lapointe
1075 Rue Bernier
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J2W 1X4

Phone: (800) 527-6468

Dr. François Dodier 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: 97780

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 Dodier 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.