Dr. Isabelle Girard – Dentist | Alma, QC

Dr. Isabelle Girard is a Dentiste. Practicing at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN in Alma, QC, Dr Girard is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Girard 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 Girard 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 Girard 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 CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN.

Dr. Isabelle Girard earned a Dental Degree. Dr Girard brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Girard is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Girard remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. Dr Girard's professional development includes participation in relevant conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs to maintain their expertise and enhance their ability to provide exceptional care.

Key aspects of Dr Girard's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr Girard strives to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere where patients feel understood and respected. Dr Girard provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• 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 Girard. 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. Isabelle Girard adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN, 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 Girard frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr Girard helps patients strive for having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This makes participating in activities such as their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health a pleasant and possible experience again.
• With Dr Girard's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits is focused on achieving finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions without dental concerns.
• When their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child participating happily in school photos and social activities, Dr Girard and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Patients presenting with feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence under Dr Girard's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN, where Dr Girard practices, is situated in a central location within the Alma neighborhood of Alma. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Girard at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN?

At your initial appointment, Dr Girard and the team at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN 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 Girard will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr Girard 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Girard will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr Girard's specific recommendation.

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 the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (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). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN.

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

A General Dentist like Dr Girard 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE FOURNIER & FORTIN
5632 Avenue Du Pont N
Alma, QC, G8E 1W1

Phone: (418) 347-2000

Dr. Isabelle Girard 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: 20020

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 Girard 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.