Dr. Gérald Walter Trager

Dr. Gérald Walter Trager 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.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

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.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• 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.

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

At Dr Gerald W. Trager, 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 Trager frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming under Dr Trager's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent has unfortunately put their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr Trager works closely with patients towards attaining their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Dr Trager expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, means they can happily and comfortably get back to enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• Patients frequently come to Dr Trager with concerns about recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, making a positive and lasting return to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr Gerald W. Trager is situated in a central location within the Côte Saint-Luc neighborhood of Côte Saint-Luc. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr Trager typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr Trager 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. Dr Trager also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Trager at Dr Gerald W. Trager?

At your initial appointment, Dr Trager and the team at Dr Gerald W. Trager will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr Trager will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Trager will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr Trager's specific recommendation is crucial 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 QC, provincial health plans like RAMQ 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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr Trager will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr Trager for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Dr Gerald W. Trager.

Dr Gerald W. Trager
412-5800 Boul Cavendish
Côte Saint-Luc, QC, H4W 2T5

Phone: (514) 488-7200

Dr. Gérald Walter Trager 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: 03267

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 Trager 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.