Dr. Laura Elaine Fox – Dentist | Collingwood, ON

Dr. Laura Elaine Fox is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe in Collingwood, ON, Dr. Fox is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Fox 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. Fox 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. Fox 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. Laura Elaine Fox earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1999. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Fox 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. Fox is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Fox's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Fox provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• 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.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.

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

• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): A conservative and versatile cosmetic procedure to quickly and effectively enhance your smile's appearance using direct composite bonding techniques.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.

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

At D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe, 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. Fox frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Fox with concerns about a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, making a positive and lasting return to their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Effectively addressing concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly with Dr. Fox's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem and social interactions.
• Dr. Fox often consults with patients whose their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling significantly limits their enjoyment of experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• If a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Fox develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.

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

D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe, where Dr. Fox practices, is situated in a central location within the Collingwood neighborhood of Collingwood. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Fox 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, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Fox also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex needs arise. Dr. Fox may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Fox.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Fox at D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Fox and the team at D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe 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. Fox 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 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 provided by 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 starting treatment at D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe.

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. Fox 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).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Fox will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any 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. Fox's specific recommendation.

D.D.S. Dentistry in Dufferin and Simcoe
229 Sixth St
Collingwood, ON, L9Y 1Z2

Phone: (705) 445-0551

Dr. Laura Elaine Fox 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: 37673

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=37673

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