Dr. Lori Lee Lahti – Dentist | Parry Sound, ON

Dr. Lori Lee Lahti is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Dentistry on the Bay in Parry Sound, ON, Dr. Lahti is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lahti 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. Lahti 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. Lahti 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. Lahti 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 Dentistry on the Bay.

Dr. Lori Lee Lahti earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2000. With over 25 years of practice since 2000, Dr. Lahti 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. Lahti is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Lahti's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Lahti provides consultations in English.

Dr. Lori Lee Lahti 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: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.

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: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• 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.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.

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

At Dentistry on the Bay, 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. Lahti frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day, Dr. Lahti and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment and a return to comfort and confidence.
• For those affected by an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing, Dr. Lahti provides solutions that lead to their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain.
• If one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly 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. Lahti works closely with patients towards attaining their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Lahti with concerns about their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, making a positive and lasting return to speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dentistry on the Bay, Dr. Lahti's practice, is situated in a central location within the Parry Sound neighborhood of Parry Sound. 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.

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

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

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Lahti 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lahti will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Lahti's specific recommendation.

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 any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Dentistry on the Bay.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lahti at Dentistry on the Bay?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lahti and the team at Dentistry on the Bay will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Lahti will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Dentistry on the Bay
61 Bowes St
Parry Sound, ON, P2A 2L4

Phone: (705) 746-2772

Dr. Lori Lee Lahti 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: 50319

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=50319

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