About
Dr. Gerald Mark Smith is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Harbourview Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Smith is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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 Harbourview Dentistry.
Dr. Gerald Mark Smith earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1987. With over 38 years of practice since 1987, Dr. Smith 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. Smith is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Smith's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Smith provides consultations in English.
Dr. Gerald Mark Smith 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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
Gag Reflex Management
- Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.
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): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Smith. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
- Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
- Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
- Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
- Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Smith. 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. Gerald Mark Smith adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Harbourview Dentistry, 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. Smith frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- For individuals troubled by concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history, Dr. Smith's approach is focused on delivering experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums with a healthier smile.
- When an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance, Dr. Smith and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause and a return to comfort and confidence.
- Overcoming or effectively managing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma is a common journey for patients under Dr. Smith's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother, so that daily routines and pleasures like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile become straightforward again.
- With Dr. Smith's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is focused on achieving their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances without dental concerns.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Smith, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Smith is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Harbourview Dentistry, where Dr. Smith practices, is situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay City Hall and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Smith typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Smith 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, inlays, onlays), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease (gingivitis and early periodontitis), and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Smith also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed. They may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Smith?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Smith for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Harbourview Dentistry.
- 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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Smith 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 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 regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Smith for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Smith 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. Follow Dr. Smith's specific recommendations.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Smith at Harbourview Dentistry?
- At your first appointment, Dr. Smith and the team will get to know you and your oral health history. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a detailed oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Smith will then explain their assessment and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.
Harbourview Dentistry
91 Cumberland St S
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6A7
Phone: (807) 345-2211
Dr. Gerald Mark Smith 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: 10903
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10903
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Smith 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.