Dr. Kari Lynn Spencer – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Kari Lynn Spencer is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at N/A in London, ON, Dr. Spencer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Spencer 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. Spencer 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. Spencer 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. Kari Lynn Spencer earned a Dental Degree from University Of Manitoba, graduating in 1995. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. Spencer 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Spencer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Spencer's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Spencer 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 N/A. Dr. Spencer provides consultations in English.

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Gum Disease Initial

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Spencer. 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.

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

At N/A, 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. Spencer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly, involves working systematically towards a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. Dr. Spencer expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
• For individuals troubled by an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options, Dr. Spencer's approach is focused on delivering their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped with a healthier smile.
• Dr. Spencer often consults with patients whose wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent significantly limits their enjoyment of getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• When patients discuss a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own, Dr. Spencer outlines a path to the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues.

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

Dr. Spencer's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Westmount South, Southcrest neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Victoria Park and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for optimal preventative care. However, Dr. Spencer 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 may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Spencer's specific recommendations.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Spencer is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for patients of all ages. 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 such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Spencer also provides education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer you to specialists for more complex dental needs. Dr. Spencer may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Spencer will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (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. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting may be covered under OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). You should check your eligibility for any public coverage and always review the details of your private dental insurance plan (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before beginning treatment at N/A.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Spencer at N/A?

Your first visit with Dr. Spencer will include a comprehensive dental examination. This involves reviewing 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. Spencer will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning is often performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

N/A
1240 Commissioners Rd #107D
London, ON, N6K 1C7

Phone: (519) 474-2626

Dr. Kari Lynn Spencer 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: 13420

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13420

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