Dr. Karen Ann Bridge

Dr. Karen Ann Bridge 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

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• 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 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: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• 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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• 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. Bridge. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Cosmetic gum procedures, sometimes using dental lasers or traditional surgical techniques, to precisely reshape an uneven or excessive gum line (gummy smile) or to correct minor gum recession for improved smile aesthetics and tooth proportions.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.

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

At Lakeview Dental Services, 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. Bridge frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Bridge about persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is to attain having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal is a common journey for patients under Dr. Bridge's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, so that daily routines and pleasures like biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence become straightforward again.
• Effectively addressing an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected with Dr. Bridge's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life and social interactions.
• For those affected by experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits, Dr. Bridge provides solutions that lead to a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.

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

Lakeview Dental Services, where Dr. Bridge practices, is situated in a central location within the Kincardine neighborhood of Kincardine. 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.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Bridge will personalize your recommended schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities might need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Bridge's specific recommendations.

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

Yes, Dr. Bridge understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Lakeview Dental Services offers various sedation options. These may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on your individual needs and the planned procedure. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Bridge during your consultation so that the most appropriate and safest sedation approach can be determined.

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

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

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Bridge 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 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). Always check your private dental insurance coverage details and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Bridge typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Bridge 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 include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Bridge may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at Lakeview Dental Services with Dr. Bridge?

We welcome new patients to Lakeview Dental Services! To become a new patient with Dr. Bridge, please call our office at (519) 396-3339. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bridge at Lakeview Dental Services?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Bridge and the team at Lakeview Dental Services 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. Bridge will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Lakeview Dental Services
736 Queen St
Kincardine, ON, N2Z 1Z7

Phone: (519) 396-3339

Dr. Karen Ann Bridge 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: 104975

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=104975

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