Dr. Gaston Bernier – Dentist | Québec City, QC

Dr. Gaston Bernier is a Dentiste. Practicing at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec in Québec City, QC, Dr Bernier is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Bernier is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr Bernier 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 Bernier 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 Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec.

Dr. Gaston Bernier earned a Dental Degree. Dr Bernier brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Bernier is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Bernier remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. Dr Bernier's dedication to professional development extends beyond formal courses, encompassing active participation in professional organizations and staying informed about the latest research and best practices within the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr Bernier'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 Bernier prioritizes open communication and collaboration with patients, ensuring they feel informed and involved in every step of their dental journey. Dr Bernier provides consultations in English.

Dr. Gaston Bernier 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

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• 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): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.

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

At Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec, 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 Bernier frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time with Dr Bernier's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain once more.
• At Dr Bernier's clinic, addressing a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• The journey from noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity to wellness often involves Dr Bernier's dedicated care. The milestone is their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, which opens the door back to activities such as speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
• Dr Bernier often consults with patients whose concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly significantly limits their enjoyment of their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr Bernier's practice, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec, is situated in the Vieux-Québec (Upper Town), Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood of Québec City. The clinic is conveniently located near Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and is accessible via Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec directly to arrange their visit with Dr Bernier.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr Bernier 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 Bernier will recommend a personalized schedule based on 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 crucial to follow Dr Bernier's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by RAMQ; however, this is the exception rather than the rule. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance plan details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before starting treatment at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Bernier at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec?

Your first visit with Dr Bernier 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 Bernier will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr Bernier will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, CHUQ de Québec
11 Côte Du Palais
Québec City, QC, G1R 2J6

Phone: (418) 691-5214

Dr. Gaston Bernier 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: 86133

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 Bernier 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.