Dr. Kristen K. DeGurse – Dentist | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Kristen K. DeGurse is a Dentist. Practicing at Family Dental Health in Sudbury, ON, Dr. DeGurse is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. DeGurse 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. DeGurse 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. DeGurse 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 Family Dental Health.

Dr. Kristen K. DeGurse earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 1991. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. DeGurse has cultivated extensive clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. DeGurse is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. DeGurse's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. DeGurse provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. DeGurse. 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.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.

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

At Family Dental Health, 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. DeGurse frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. DeGurse provides dedicated support for patients going through needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy), always aiming for positive outcomes like achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• For patients where needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain is a primary concern, Dr. DeGurse focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.
• Patients presenting with the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother under Dr. DeGurse's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Understanding the frustration a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment can cause, Dr. DeGurse tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.

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

Family Dental Health, where Dr. DeGurse practices, is situated in the Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, Ramsey Lake Area neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near Laurentian University and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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, social assistance recipients, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Family Dental Health.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. DeGurse are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. DeGurse may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. DeGurse is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, 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.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. DeGurse offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. DeGurse focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients is recommended for preventative care. Dr. DeGurse will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. DeGurse's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. DeGurse at Family Dental Health?

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

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 diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. DeGurse 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).

Family Dental Health
121 Durham St
Sudbury, ON, P3E 3M9

Phone: (705) 673-4289

Dr. Kristen K. DeGurse 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: 11946

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11946

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