Dr. Léa Bernatchez – Dentist | Baie-Comeau, QC

Dr. Léa Bernatchez is a Dentiste. Practicing at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE MANICOUAGAN in Baie-Comeau, QC, Dr Bernatchez is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Bernatchez is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr Bernatchez 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 Bernatchez 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 CLINIQUE DENTAIRE MANICOUAGAN.

Dr. Léa Bernatchez earned a Dental Degree. Dr Bernatchez brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Bernatchez is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Bernatchez remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. This dedication to professional development, combined with their clinical experience, allows Dr Bernatchez to provide comprehensive and high-quality care.

Key aspects of Dr Bernatchez'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 Bernatchez provides consultations in English.

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

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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Bernatchez. 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. Léa Bernatchez adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At CLINIQUE DENTAIRE MANICOUAGAN, 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 Bernatchez frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr Bernatchez often consults with patients whose looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults significantly limits their enjoyment of their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For patients where concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly is a primary concern, Dr Bernatchez focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• Patients frequently come to Dr Bernatchez with concerns about a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, making a positive and lasting return to their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain not just possible, but highly feasible.
• When an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr Bernatchez helps patients strive for clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns. This makes participating in activities such as maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE MANICOUAGAN, where Dr Bernatchez practices, is situated in a central location within the Baie-Comeau neighborhood of Baie-Comeau. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr Bernatchez will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities might need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr Bernatchez's specific recommendations.

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

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

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, provincial health plans like RAMQ typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-sponsored), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE MANICOUAGAN.

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 necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr Bernatchez will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr Bernatchez typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr Bernatchez is the primary dental care provider for all ages. Services include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide oral hygiene education and refer to specialists for complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Bernatchez at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE MANICOUAGAN?

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form, discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr Bernatchez, and undergoing a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr Bernatchez will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. It's an excellent opportunity to ask questions.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some specialists accept patients directly, a referral from your general dentist, like Dr Bernatchez, is often recommended or required by the specialist or your insurance. A referral ensures the specialist has the necessary background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr Bernatchez determines you need specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Always check with the specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE MANICOUAGAN
1648 Boul. Laflèche
Baie-Comeau, QC, G5C 1C9

Phone: (418) 589-3736

Dr. Léa Bernatchez is a licensed Dentiste in QC, regulated by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) under the Code des professions & Loi sur les dentistes (Québec).

License Number: 16924

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

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