Dr. Judith Catherine Kivinen – Dentist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Judith Catherine Kivinen is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Upper Gage Dental Centre in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Kivinen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kivinen 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. Kivinen 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. Kivinen 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. Judith Catherine Kivinen earned a Dental Degree from University Of Detroit Mercy, graduating in 2007. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Kivinen 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. Kivinen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Upper Gage Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Kivinen's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Kivinen serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Dr. Kivinen provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• 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. Kivinen. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At Upper Gage 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. Kivinen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Kivinen when they first notice noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, enabling them to once again enjoy confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions without hesitation.
• Many people seek Dr. Kivinen's professional help and expertise when dealing with recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• For individuals troubled by a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation, Dr. Kivinen's approach is focused on delivering receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence with a healthier smile.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kivinen to see patients who were troubled by a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food successfully achieve their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.

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

Upper Gage Dental Centre, where Dr. Kivinen practices, is situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Centre (Bay St Entrance) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Examples of such programs include Healthy Smiles Ontario. It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Upper Gage Dental Centre.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kivinen 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. Kivinen typically provide?

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

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

For most patients, preventative care check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Kivinen will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some 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's important to follow Dr. Kivinen's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Upper Gage Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kivinen.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kivinen at Upper Gage Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kivinen and the team at Upper Gage 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. Kivinen will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Upper Gage Dental Centre
1000 Upper Gage Ave #11
Hamilton, ON, L8V 4R5

Phone: (905) 387-3610

Dr. Judith Catherine Kivinen 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: 71033

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=71033

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