Dr. Margaret Jo-Anne Matheson – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Margaret Jo-Anne Matheson is a Dentist. Practicing at St. Laurent Dental Centre in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Matheson is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Matheson 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. Matheson 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. Matheson 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 St. Laurent Dental Centre.

Dr. Margaret Jo-Anne Matheson earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 1988. With over 32 years of practice since 1993, Dr. Matheson's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Matheson is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Matheson's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Matheson provides consultations in English.

Dr. Margaret Jo-Anne Matheson 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• 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.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.

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

At St. Laurent Dental Centre, 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. Matheson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area under Dr. Matheson's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance without the former limitations or discomfort.
• When patients discuss looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults, Dr. Matheson outlines a path to their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling with Dr. Matheson's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations once more.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma, Dr. Matheson offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues.

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

St. Laurent Dental Centre, where Dr. Matheson practices, is situated in the Overbrook, Castle Heights, Vanier South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Rideau Canal National Historic Site and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Matheson 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 might need visits 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. It is crucial to follow Dr. Matheson's specific recommendations.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Matheson at St. Laurent Dental Centre?

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

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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at St. Laurent Dental Centre.

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. Matheson 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. Matheson typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Matheson 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.

St. Laurent Dental Centre
1200 St. Laurent Blvd Box 203
Ottawa, ON, K1K 3B8

Phone: (613) 744-6611

Dr. Margaret Jo-Anne Matheson 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: 12333

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12333

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