About
Dr. Jennifer Lynn Cavanagh is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Family Dentistry on Bay in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Dr. Cavanagh is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Cavanagh 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. Cavanagh 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. Cavanagh 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. Cavanagh 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 Family Dentistry on Bay.
Dr. Jennifer Lynn Cavanagh earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2008. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Cavanagh 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. Cavanagh is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Cavanagh's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Cavanagh provides consultations in English.
Dr. Jennifer Lynn Cavanagh provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Dental Anxiety Phobia
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
Dental Pain Emergency
- Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
- 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.
Special Needs Dental Care Peds
- Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
- Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
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.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Cavanagh. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- 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.
- 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).
- Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
- 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.
- Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Cavanagh. 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. Jennifer Lynn Cavanagh adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Family Dentistry on Bay, 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. Cavanagh frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- At Dr. Cavanagh's clinic, addressing noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity means focusing on patient goals. Achieving clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
- Effectively addressing an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath with Dr. Cavanagh's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth and social interactions.
- When their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Cavanagh helps patients strive for feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This makes participating in activities such as enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth a pleasant and possible experience again.
- When patients discuss wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant, Dr. Cavanagh outlines a path to their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Cavanagh, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Cavanagh is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Family Dentistry on Bay, where Dr. Cavanagh practices, is situated in the Downtown, Central neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near Algoma Steel (nearby) and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.
- 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 always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Cavanagh 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).
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Cavanagh typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Cavanagh 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Cavanagh may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In ON, 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 through 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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment at Family Dentistry on Bay.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Cavanagh?
- Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Family Dentistry on Bay directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Cavanagh.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Cavanagh at Family Dentistry on Bay?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Cavanagh and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Cavanagh 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. Cavanagh for a check-up and cleaning?
- Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended for most patients. Dr. Cavanagh will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Cavanagh's specific recommendation.
Family Dentistry on Bay
766 Bay St
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 0A1
Phone: (705) 949-5593
Dr. Jennifer Lynn Cavanagh 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: 76762
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=76762
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Cavanagh 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.