Dr. Gabriel S. Ponce – Dentist | Sarnia, ON

Dr. Gabriel S. Ponce is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Clearwater Family Dental in Sarnia, ON, Dr. Ponce is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ponce 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. Ponce 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. Ponce also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. Ponce 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 Clearwater Family Dental.

Dr. Gabriel S. Ponce earned a Dental Degree from University Of Detroit Mercy, graduating in 2015. With over 10 years of practice since 2015, Dr. Ponce offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Ponce is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Ponce's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Ponce provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• 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.

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

At Clearwater 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. Ponce frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation to wellness often involves Dr. Ponce's dedicated care. The milestone is their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, which opens the door back to activities such as simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• When patients discuss their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), Dr. Ponce outlines a path to the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• For individuals troubled by a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially, Dr. Ponce's approach is focused on delivering their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness with a healthier smile.
• Dr. Ponce provides dedicated support for patients going through a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider, always aiming for positive outcomes like their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.

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

Clearwater Family Dental, where Dr. Ponce practices, is situated in the North End (Lake Huron frontage) neighborhood of Sarnia. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Clair River Waterfront and is accessible via Sarnia Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Clearwater Family Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Ponce.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Ponce 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 between visits. It is crucial to follow Dr. Ponce's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ponce 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 treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (such as teeth whitening or bonding, if offered). Dr. Ponce also provides education on proper oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex dental needs. Dr. Ponce may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Ponce 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. Ponce will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. 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 any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Clearwater Family Dental.

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 radiation exposure. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Ponce will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Clearwater Family Dental
1000 Finch Dr #7
Sarnia, ON, N7S 6G5

Phone: (519) 332-3000

Dr. Gabriel S. Ponce 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: 106006

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=106006

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