Dr. Karen Anne MacDonald – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Karen Anne MacDonald is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Preston Dental Centre in Ottawa, ON, Dr. MacDonald is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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. Karen Anne MacDonald earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 1990. With over 35 years of practice since 1990, Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. MacDonald 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 Preston Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. MacDonald's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. MacDonald provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. MacDonald. 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): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.

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

At Preston 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. MacDonald frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history with Dr. MacDonald's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain and social interactions.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. MacDonald when they first notice wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, enabling them to once again enjoy feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes without hesitation.
• Dr. MacDonald provides dedicated support for patients going through their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), always aiming for positive outcomes like the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends.
• Are you struggling with their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening? Dr. MacDonald partners with patients to target their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences a much more achievable reality.

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

Preston Dental Centre, where Dr. MacDonald practices, is situated in the The Glebe, Old Ottawa South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Canadian War Museum and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. MacDonald will personalize your schedule based on your individual 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 may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. MacDonald's specific recommendation is key to maintaining optimal oral health.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. MacDonald at Preston Dental Centre?

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

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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. 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 (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Preston Dental Centre.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. MacDonald 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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 necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. MacDonald will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Preston Dental Centre
343 Preston St #110
Ottawa, ON, K1S 1N4

Phone: (613) 729-3338

Dr. Karen Anne MacDonald 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: 11702

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11702

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