Dr. Lisa Danielle Gifford

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

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.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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

At Kenson Downtown 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. Gifford frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Gifford with concerns about their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, making a positive and lasting return to knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Effectively addressing experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth with Dr. Gifford's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence and social interactions.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Gifford to see patients who were troubled by their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession successfully achieve achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• For patients where needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect is a primary concern, Dr. Gifford focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.

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

Kenson Downtown Dentistry, where Dr. Gifford practices, is situated in the Centretown South (Golden Triangle) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near National Defence HQ (Pearkes Building) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gifford is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for all ages. These 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 potentially some cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Gifford also provides education on oral hygiene and will refer you to specialists for more complex needs.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Gifford offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Gifford focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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. 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 plans (often from employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (like children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits). Always verify your eligibility for any public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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 only taken when necessary (e.g., for new patients, checking for decay, assessing bone health, or planning complex treatments). Dr. Gifford determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, you generally don't need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Gifford for check-ups, cleanings, or consultations. You can book an appointment directly with Kenson Downtown Dentistry.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gifford at Kenson Downtown Dentistry?

Your first visit will include 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. Gifford will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.

Kenson Downtown Dentistry
225 Metcalfe St #504
Ottawa, ON, K2P 1P9

Phone: (613) 232-8070

Dr. Lisa Danielle Gifford 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: 12488

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12488

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