Dr. Heather Grace O’Shea – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Heather Grace O'Shea is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Argyle Dental Centre in London, ON, Dr. O'Shea is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. O'Shea 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. O'Shea 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. O'Shea 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. O'Shea 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 Argyle Dental Centre.

Dr. Heather Grace O'Shea earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2012. With over 13 years of practice since 2012, Dr. O'Shea 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. O'Shea is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. O'Shea's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. O'Shea provides consultations in English.

Dr. Heather Grace O'Shea 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.

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

At Argyle 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. O'Shea frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. O'Shea when they first notice their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, enabling them to once again enjoy their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness without hesitation.
• Dr. O'Shea understands that dealing with an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile and feeling their best.
• If a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. O'Shea develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
• The journey from their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed to wellness often involves Dr. O'Shea's dedicated care. The milestone is their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event, which opens the door back to activities such as feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.

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

Argyle Dental Centre, where Dr. O'Shea practices, is situated in the Argyle, Huron Heights neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Budweiser Gardens and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. O'Shea at Argyle Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. O'Shea and the team at Argyle Dental Centre 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. O'Shea will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. O'Shea typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. O'Shea 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. O'Shea also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. O'Shea may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. O'Shea offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. O'Shea understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Argyle Dental Centre may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on the specific needs of the patient and the planned procedure. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. O'Shea during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. O'Shea 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) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is important to follow Dr. O'Shea's specific recommendations.

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 minimize any potential 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. O'Shea 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).

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. O'Shea?

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

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 starting treatment.

Argyle Dental Centre
2000 Dundas St E
London, ON, N5V 3Z1

Phone: (519) 455-1441

Dr. Heather Grace O'Shea 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: 92313

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92313

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