Dr. Lorraine Schmidt Thaker – Dentist | Carleton Place, ON

Dr. Lorraine Schmidt Thaker is a Dentist. Practicing at Heritage Dental in Carleton Place, ON, Dr. Thaker is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Thaker 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. Thaker 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. Thaker 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 Heritage Dental.

Dr. Lorraine Schmidt Thaker earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 1992. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Thaker has cultivated extensive clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Thaker is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Thaker's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; 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. Thaker provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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

• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.

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

At Heritage Dental, 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. Thaker frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening, Dr. Thaker provides solutions that lead to their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• A key objective when treating their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to at Dr. Thaker's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Thaker about one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly is to attain a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• Dr. Thaker expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.

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

Dr. Thaker's practice, Heritage Dental, is situated in a central location within the Carleton Place neighborhood of Carleton Place. 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.

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Heritage Dental.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Thaker at Heritage Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Thaker and the team at Heritage Dental 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. Thaker will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Thaker will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Thaker's specific recommendation is crucial.

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 diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Thaker 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Thaker 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.

Heritage Dental
130 Lansdowne Ave #3
Carleton Place, ON, K7C 2T7

Phone: (613) 257-3173

Dr. Lorraine Schmidt Thaker 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: 12233

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12233

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