Dr. Marc Leon Gareau – Dentist | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Marc Leon Gareau is a Dentist. Practicing at Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group in Sudbury, ON, Dr. Gareau is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gareau 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. Gareau 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. Gareau 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 Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group.

Dr. Marc Leon Gareau earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1994. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Gareau's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their commitment to providing up-to-date dental care. Dr. Gareau is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide patients with the most advanced and effective treatments. This dedication ensures that Dr. Gareau remains at the forefront of dental advancements and best practices.

Key aspects of Dr. Gareau's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Gareau provides consultations in English.

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

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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.

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

At Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group, 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. Gareau frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming can cause, Dr. Gareau tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, allowing for renewed participation in activities like confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected, involves working systematically towards their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic. Dr. Gareau expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• If an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Gareau develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• For those affected by their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth, Dr. Gareau provides solutions that lead to their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.

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

Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group, where Dr. Gareau practices, is situated in the West End (Gatchell, Copper Cliff) neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near Costco and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Gareau for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group.

Does Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gareau at Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group?

Your first visit with Dr. Gareau 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. Gareau 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. Gareau typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Gareau 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 if offered). Dr. Gareau also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Generally, we recommend every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Gareau will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some 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. Gareau's specific recommendation.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (705) 673-5615. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Gareau or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Sudbury area.

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. Gareau 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).

Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group
36 Elgin St
Sudbury, ON, P3C 5B4

Phone: (705) 673-5615

Dr. Marc Leon Gareau 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: 12692

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12692

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