Dr. Marilou St-Laurent-Chénard

Dr. Marilou St-Laurent-Chénard 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

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 St-Laurent-Chénard. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At CLINIQUE DENTAIRE KAMOURASKA, 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 St-Laurent-Chénard frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr St-Laurent-Chénard develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• Dr St-Laurent-Chénard understands that dealing with experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, helping patients comfortably get back to their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments and feeling their best.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal, involves working systematically towards their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. Dr St-Laurent-Chénard expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Dr St-Laurent-Chénard's comprehensive care for a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident is meticulously designed to result in achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth without dental worries.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr St-Laurent-Chénard, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr St-Laurent-Chénard 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 KAMOURASKA, where Dr St-Laurent-Chénard practices, is situated in a central location within the Saint-Pascal neighborhood of Saint-Pascal. 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr St-Laurent-Chénard at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE KAMOURASKA?

Your first visit with Dr St-Laurent-Chénard 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 St-Laurent-Chénard 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.

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 radiation exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr St-Laurent-Chénard 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).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr St-Laurent-Chénard will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. For example, some patients 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 St-Laurent-Chénard's specific recommendation.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr St-Laurent-Chénard. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr St-Laurent-Chénard identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr St-Laurent-Chénard typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr St-Laurent-Chénard 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, 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr St-Laurent-Chénard?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact CLINIQUE DENTAIRE KAMOURASKA directly to arrange their visit with Dr St-Laurent-Chénard.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of CLINIQUE DENTAIRE KAMOURASKA'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 CLINIQUE DENTAIRE KAMOURASKA’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 (418) 492-4799. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr St-Laurent-Chénard or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Saint-Pascal area.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In QC, 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE KAMOURASKA
650 Rue Taché
Saint-Pascal, QC, G0L 3Y0

Phone: (418) 492-4799

Dr. Marilou St-Laurent-Chénard 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: 12624

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 St-Laurent-Chénard 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.