Dr. Jean-Philippe Houle – Dentist | Drummondville, QC

Dr. Jean-Philippe Houle is a Dentiste. Practicing at ORA ORTHODONTISTE in Drummondville, QC, Dr Houle is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Houle 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 Houle 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 Houle 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 ORA ORTHODONTISTE.

Dr. Jean-Philippe Houle earned a Dental Degree. Dr Houle brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Houle is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Houle remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. Their dedication to professional development reflects a commitment to providing patients with the highest quality of care.

Key aspects of Dr Houle's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr Houle provides consultations in English.

Dr. Jean-Philippe Houle 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

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.

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

At ORA ORTHODONTISTE, 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 Houle frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr Houle with concerns about a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment, making a positive and lasting return to replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Dr Houle expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, means they can happily and comfortably get back to resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• Are you struggling with needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional? Dr Houle partners with patients to target their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence a much more achievable reality.
• A key objective when treating having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard at Dr Houle's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.

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

ORA ORTHODONTISTE, where Dr Houle practices, is situated in the Drummondville West, Saint-Charles-de-Drummond neighborhood of Drummondville. The clinic is conveniently located near Village Québécois d'Antan and is accessible via Société de transport de Drummondville (STD). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr Houle. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr Houle identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Houle 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 (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr Houle's specific recommendations.

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

A General Dentist like Dr Houle is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer 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 may offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

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 Houle 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 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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., low-income families, seniors). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Houle at ORA ORTHODONTISTE?

At your initial appointment, expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr Houle will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.

ORA ORTHODONTISTE
110-350 Rue Saint-Jean
Drummondville, QC, J2B 5L4

Phone: (819) 850-9223

Dr. Jean-Philippe Houle 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: 13905

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 Houle 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.