Dr. Marie-Claude Davidson – Dentist | Shawinigan, QC

Dr. Marie-Claude Davidson is a Dentiste. Practicing at Clinique dentaire Lahaie in Shawinigan, QC, Dr Davidson is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Davidson is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr Davidson 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 Davidson 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 Clinique dentaire Lahaie.

Dr. Marie-Claude Davidson earned a Dental Degree. Dr Davidson brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Davidson is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures that Dr Davidson remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. This dedication to lifelong learning reflects Dr Davidson's commitment to providing the highest quality of care to every patient.

Key aspects of Dr Davidson's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr Davidson provides consultations in English.

Dr. Marie-Claude Davidson provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.

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

At Clinique dentaire Lahaie, 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 Davidson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr Davidson often consults with patients whose concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly significantly limits their enjoyment of kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Managing needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr Davidson and the dental team. The clear aim is always their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history, Dr Davidson offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.
• When a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr Davidson helps patients strive for their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event. This makes participating in activities such as easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain a pleasant and possible experience again.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr Davidson, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr Davidson 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 Lahaie, where Dr Davidson practices, is situated in a central location within the Shawinigan neighborhood of Shawinigan. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr Davidson typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Davidson is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Davidson also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

Does Clinique dentaire Lahaie 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.

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 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr Davidson promptly.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Davidson 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Davidson's specific recommendations.

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

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

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Davidson will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Davidson at Clinique dentaire Lahaie?

Your first visit will include a comprehensive dental examination: 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. Davidson will discuss findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.

Clinique dentaire Lahaie
425 Ave Des Cèdres
Shawinigan, QC, G9N 1N5

Phone: (819) 536-2644

Dr. Marie-Claude Davidson 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: 17702

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 Davidson 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.