Dr. John Houghton Pate – Dentist | Guelph, ON

Dr. John Houghton Pate is a Dentist (Advanced Dental Imaging - CT Scans). Practicing at Westwood Dental Group in Guelph, ON, Dr. Pate is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Pate 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. Pate 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. Pate utilizes advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), for superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. Dr. Pate 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 Westwood Dental Group.

Dr. John Houghton Pate earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1976. With over 48 years of practice since 1977, Dr. Pate offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Pate is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Pate's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Pate provides consultations in English.

Dr. John Houghton Pate 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

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.

Oral Pathology Detection

• Suspicious Lesions, Sores, Lumps, or Patches in the Mouth or on Lips: Concerns about any unusual changes in the appearance or texture of the mouth lining that need to be accurately diagnosed to rule out infection, inflammatory conditions, precancerous changes, or oral cancer.

Orthodontic Assessment Needs

• Concerns about Crooked, Crowded, Gapped, or Protruding Teeth: Dissatisfaction with the alignment, spacing, or protrusion of teeth, seeking professional orthodontic evaluation to understand treatment options.
• Bite Problems (Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite, Deep Bite): Addressing functional and aesthetic concerns related to how the teeth and jaws fit together, aiming for an optimal, stable, and healthy bite.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• 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.

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

At Westwood Dental Group, 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. Pate frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Pate's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation is focused on achieving understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing without dental concerns.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long is a common journey for patients under Dr. Pate's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover, so that daily routines and pleasures like their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life become straightforward again.
• Managing their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Pate and the dental team. The clear aim is always experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Patients presenting with their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic under Dr. Pate's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Westwood Dental Group, where Dr. Pate practices, is situated in the Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Guelph and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Pate 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Pate's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Pate at Westwood Dental Group?

Your first visit with Dr. Pate will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Pate will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

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

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Pate 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. Pate typically provide?

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

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 treatment.

Westwood Dental Group
530 Willow Rd #2
Guelph, ON, N1H 7G4

Phone: (519) 836-4650

Dr. John Houghton Pate 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: 8563

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8563

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