Dr. Laura Lorraine Van Damme – Dentist | Arkona, ON

Dr. Laura Lorraine Van Damme is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Arkona Dental Office in Arkona, ON, Dr. Damme is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Damme 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. Damme 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. Damme 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 Lorraine Van Damme earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2014. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Damme 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. Damme is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Damme 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 Arkona Dental Office.

Key aspects of Dr. Damme's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Damme provides consultations in English.

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

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): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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 Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.

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

At Arkona Dental Office, 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. Damme frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Damme and the dental team. The clear aim is always their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Many people seek Dr. Damme'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 achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• When patients discuss a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered, Dr. Damme outlines a path to finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• At Dr. Damme's clinic, addressing experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow means focusing on patient goals. Achieving experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.

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

Arkona Dental Office, where Dr. Damme practices, is situated in a central location within the Arkona neighborhood of Arkona. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Arkona Dental Office.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Damme 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Damme may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Damme help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Damme can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Arkona Dental Office directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Damme.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Damme will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Damme at Arkona Dental Office?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: 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. Damme will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Damme will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk). Follow Dr. Damme's specific recommendation.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Damme offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Damme understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Arkona Dental Office offers various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety with Dr. Damme during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Arkona Dental Office
14 Union St PO Box 148
Arkona, ON, N0M 1B0

Phone: (519) 828-3895

Dr. Laura Lorraine Van Damme 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: 101117

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=101117

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