Dr. Krista Suzanne Baier – Dentist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Krista Suzanne Baier is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at Dr. Krista Baier and Associates in Kitchener, ON, Dr. Baier is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Baier 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. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Baier provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. Dr. Baier 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 Dr. Krista Baier and Associates.

Dr. Krista Suzanne Baier earned a Dental Degree from University Of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1999. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Paediatric Dentist at the Washington University in 2002. Dr. Baier brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Minimal Nitrous. Dr. Baier is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Baier's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Baier provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Krista Suzanne Baier addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Dental Trauma Children

• Traumatic Injuries to Primary or Young Permanent Teeth in Children: Seeking expert urgent and long-term care for dental trauma in children to maximize the chances of saving injured teeth, managing pain and infection, and monitoring for potential complications to developing permanent teeth.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Dental situations where standard 2D X-rays (bitewings, panoramic) are insufficient and a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is required for accurate diagnosis, assessment of anatomical complexities, or detailed planning of complex treatments like implants, orthodontics, or endodontics.

Early Childhood Caries

• Aggressive Tooth Decay (Cavities) in Infants & Toddlers (ECC): Managing extensive cavities in baby teeth, often requiring comprehensive restorative treatment (fillings, crowns, pulp therapy) and intensive preventative strategies (dietary counseling, fluoride, hygiene modification) to prevent further decay, pain, infection, and ensure proper development and function of both primary and permanent dentitions.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Tailored dental services to meet the unique needs of growing smiles, from first tooth to teenage years.
• Management of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) & Cavities in Children: Addressing tooth decay in infants and toddlers with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and long-term prevention.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Behavior Guidance & Management for Pediatric Patients: Utilizing specialized techniques (tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, distraction) to help children feel comfortable and cooperative during dental visits.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Baier is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. Krista Baier and Associates, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Baier understands that dealing with a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, helping patients comfortably get back to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth and feeling their best.
• Patients presenting with a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area under Dr. Baier's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without the former limitations or discomfort.
• When needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Baier helps patients strive for their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation. This makes participating in activities such as their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Many people seek Dr. Baier's professional help and expertise when dealing with a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Baier, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Baier is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Krista Baier and Associates is situated in the Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Centre In The Square and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Baier at Dr. Krista Baier and Associates?

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Baier will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Baier's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

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

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Baier. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Baier identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If you are unsure, it's best to check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Dr. Krista Baier and Associates.

How does Dr. Baier as a Pediatric Dentist manage children with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs?

Dr. Baier has specialized training in behavior guidance techniques, such as "tell-show-do", positive reinforcement, and distraction, to help children feel comfortable and cooperative during dental visits. A child-friendly environment is also created to reduce anxiety. Dr. Baier has experience managing patients with various special healthcare needs and will adapt their approach to ensure the best possible care. Depending on the child's needs, options like nitrous oxide may be considered, or a referral for deeper sedation or general anesthesia may be made to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Baier 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).

Dr. Krista Baier and Associates
65 Glasgow St
Kitchener, ON, N2G 2G8

Phone: (519) 578-7100

Dr. Krista Suzanne Baier is a licensed Pediatric 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: 67157

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=67157

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