Dr. Laura Elli Earl – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Laura Elli Earl is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Port Arthur Family Dental in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Earl is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Earl 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. Earl 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. Earl 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 Elli Earl earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2008. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Earl 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: N/A. Dr. Earl is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Earl's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Earl provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

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

• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Minor surgical or laser-assisted gum reshaping to create a more balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious smile by optimizing the gingival architecture.
• 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.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.

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

At Port Arthur Family Dental, 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. Earl frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is a common journey for patients under Dr. Earl's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, so that daily routines and pleasures like their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health become straightforward again.
• Dr. Earl provides dedicated support for patients going through their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed, always aiming for positive outcomes like a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching at Dr. Earl's practice is consistently achieving their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem, involves working systematically towards gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. Dr. Earl expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.

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

Port Arthur Family Dental, where Dr. Earl practices, is situated in the Port Arthur North (Current River, Centennial Park area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Port Arthur (North Core) and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Earl 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).

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Port Arthur Family Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Earl.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Earl at Port Arthur Family Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Earl 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. Earl 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.

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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Earl will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Earl's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Earl provides primary dental care for all ages, offering 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 complex needs. Dr. Earl may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options.

Port Arthur Family Dental
68 Algoma St N
Thunder Bay, ON, P7A 4Z3

Phone: (807) 344-0841

Dr. Laura Elli Earl 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: 76734

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=76734

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