About
Dr. Laura Christine Mercer is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at N/A in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Mercer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mercer 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. Mercer 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. Mercer 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. Mercer 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. Laura Christine Mercer earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2008. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Mercer 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 Oral; N/A. Dr. Mercer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Mercer's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Mercer provides consultations in English.
Dr. Laura Christine Mercer provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Dental Anxiety Phobia
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
Common Dental Issues
- 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.
- Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
- Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
Dental Pain Emergency
- Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
- 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.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Mercer. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
- Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
- Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.
- Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
- Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Mercer. 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. Laura Christine Mercer 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. Mercer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Many people seek Dr. Mercer's professional help and expertise when dealing with needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
- For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene, Dr. Mercer offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
- Patients experiencing their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Mercer's practice, a key objective is finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.
- Dr. Mercer's comprehensive care for their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development is meticulously designed to result in their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care without dental worries.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Mercer, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Mercer is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Mercer's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Fort William West (Westfort, Neebing) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Intercity Shopping Centre and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mercer at N/A?
- Your first visit with Dr. Mercer will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of 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. Mercer will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Mercer for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Mercer 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Mercer's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Mercer?
- Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Mercer.
- 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 also 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. Mercer 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).
- 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). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.
N/A
116 May St N (3rd Fl)
Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 3P1
Phone: (807) 623-2900
Dr. Laura Christine Mercer 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: 70355
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=70355
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Mercer 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.