Dr. Gary Robert Bamford

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.

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

At Tillsonburg Dental Centre, 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. Bamford frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Bamford expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling is a common journey for patients under Dr. Bamford's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, so that daily routines and pleasures like experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort become straightforward again.
• At Dr. Bamford's clinic, addressing a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• For patients where needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional is a primary concern, Dr. Bamford focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.

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

Tillsonburg Dental Centre, where Dr. Bamford 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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. 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. Bamford 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bamford 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 if offered). Dr. Bamford also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Bamford 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. Bamford at Tillsonburg Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Bamford 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. Bamford 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.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Tillsonburg Dental Centre.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Bamford will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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). Follow Dr. Bamford's specific recommendation.

Tillsonburg Dental Centre
230 Lisgar Ave #1
Tillsonburg, ON, N4G 4L3

Phone: (519) 842-4555

Dr. Gary Robert Bamford 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: 11823

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11823

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