Dr. Mario Lemay

Dr. Mario Lemay 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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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

• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At North Bay Family Dentistry, 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. Lemay frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain, involves working systematically towards their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. Dr. Lemay expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals, Dr. Lemay offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• Dr. Lemay understands that dealing with their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem and feeling their best.
• For patients where their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling is a primary concern, Dr. Lemay focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully 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. Lemay, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Lemay is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

North Bay Family Dentistry, where Dr. Lemay practices, is situated in the Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near North Bay Memorial Gardens (Arena) and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact North Bay Family Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lemay.

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is strongly recommended that patients verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at North Bay Family Dentistry.

What is North Bay Family Dentistry's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Lemay. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient in need of care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than the requested notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50-$100. Specific fee information is available from the clinic. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Lemay typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Lemay 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.

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. Lemay. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Lemay identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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. Lemay 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lemay at North Bay Family Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Lemay 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. Lemay 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.

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Lemay will recommend a personalized schedule based on 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). Follow Dr. Lemay's specific recommendation.

North Bay Family Dentistry
319 Worthington St E
North Bay, ON, P1B 1H2

Phone: (705) 474-0655

Dr. Mario Lemay 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: 13354

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13354

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