Dr. Karine McLelland – Dentist | Chicoutimi, QC

Dr. Karine McLelland is a Dentiste. Practicing at Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre in Chicoutimi, QC, Dr McLelland is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr McLelland is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr McLelland 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 McLelland 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 Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre.

Dr. Karine McLelland earned a Dental Degree. Dr McLelland brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr McLelland is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr McLelland remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. This dedication to professional growth reflects Dr McLelland's commitment to providing exceptional care and achieving the best possible outcomes for each patient.

Key aspects of Dr McLelland's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr McLelland strives to create a comfortable and welcoming environment where patients feel understood and respected. Dr McLelland provides consultations in English.

Dr. Karine McLelland 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

• 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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• 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.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr McLelland. 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. Karine McLelland adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre, 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 McLelland frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain, Dr McLelland and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention has unfortunately put feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence. on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr McLelland works closely with patients towards attaining experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• If a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr McLelland develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• Dr McLelland provides dedicated support for patients going through their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention, always aiming for positive outcomes like being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.

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

Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre is situated in a central location within the Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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 to further minimize exposure. 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 McLelland 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr McLelland at Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre?

At your initial appointment, Dr McLelland and the team at Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre 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 McLelland 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In QC, provincial health plans like the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) 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). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr McLelland will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some individuals may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr McLelland's specific recommendation is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr McLelland typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr McLelland 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 provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Centre Dentaire McLelland - Dompierre
120 Boul. Barrette
Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 7W8

Phone: (418) 545-9393

Dr. Karine McLelland is a licensed Dentiste in QC, regulated by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) under the Code des professions & Loi sur les dentistes (Québec).

License Number: 98799

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

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