Dr. Maëlle Chouinard-Whittom

Dr. Maëlle Chouinard-Whittom 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

• 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.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr Chouinard-Whittom. 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: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.

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

At CLINIQUE DENTAIRE GRAND-PRÉ, 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 Chouinard-Whittom frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close at Dr Chouinard-Whittom's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.
• At Dr Chouinard-Whittom's clinic, addressing a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth.
• When concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection, Dr Chouinard-Whittom and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots and a return to comfort and confidence.
• When patients discuss an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing, Dr Chouinard-Whittom outlines a path to their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr Chouinard-Whittom, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall wellness objectives. Dr Chouinard-Whittom 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 GRAND-PRÉ, where Dr Chouinard-Whittom practices, is situated in a central location within the Bonaventure neighborhood of Bonaventure. 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Chouinard-Whittom 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 managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need visits every 3-4 months, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr Chouinard-Whittom's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you may 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 CLINIQUE DENTAIRE GRAND-PRÉ.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr Chouinard-Whittom 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).

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr Chouinard-Whittom?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact CLINIQUE DENTAIRE GRAND-PRÉ directly to arrange their visit with Dr Chouinard-Whittom.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Chouinard-Whittom at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE GRAND-PRÉ?

At your initial appointment, Dr Chouinard-Whittom and the team at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE GRAND-PRÉ 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 Chouinard-Whittom will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE GRAND-PRÉ
100 Avenue De Grand-Pré
Bonaventure, QC, G0C 1E0

Phone: (418) 534-2112

Dr. Maëlle Chouinard-Whittom 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: 12711

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 Chouinard-Whittom 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.