Dr. Lindsay Erica Smith – Dentist | Orillia, ON

Dr. Lindsay Erica Smith is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Orillia Family Dentistry in Orillia, ON, Dr. Smith is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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. Lindsay Erica Smith earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2009. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Smith 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. Smith is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Smith's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Smith provides consultations in English.

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

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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

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

• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.

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

At Orillia Family Dentistry, 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. Smith frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing is preventing you from fully enjoying attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped or causing discomfort, Dr. Smith offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Many people seek Dr. Smith's professional help and expertise when dealing with a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, 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.
• If a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal has unfortunately put being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Smith works closely with patients towards attaining their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• At Dr. Smith's clinic, addressing feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.

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

Orillia Family Dentistry, where Dr. Smith practices, is situated in a central location within the Orillia neighborhood of Orillia. 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.

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

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

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 exposure. 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. Smith 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). Always check your private dental insurance coverage details and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Smith at Orillia Family Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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.

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

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

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

Yes, Dr. Smith understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Orillia Family Dentistry offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Smith during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

Dr. Smith 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Smith will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits, while others might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Smith's specific recommendation.

Orillia Family Dentistry
234 Coldwater Rd W
Orillia, ON, L3V 3M2

Phone: (705) 326-7441

Dr. Lindsay Erica Smith 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: 80471

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=80471

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