Dr. Mary Catherine Berkmortel

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

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Dental situations where standard 2D X-rays (bitewings, panoramic) are insufficient and a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is required for accurate diagnosis, assessment of anatomical complexities, or detailed planning of complex treatments like implants, orthodontics, or endodontics.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures & Fixed Hybrid Options): Providing and fitting dentures that are significantly stabilized and retained by attaching to dental implants (implant overdentures) or fixed, non-removable full-arch implant bridges (hybrid dentures), offering vastly improved comfort, chewing efficiency, and stability compared to traditional removable dentures.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Riverside Dental, 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. Berkmortel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Berkmortel often consults with patients whose their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence significantly limits their enjoyment of actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For individuals troubled by a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident, Dr. Berkmortel's approach is focused on delivering their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth with a healthier smile.
• Are you struggling with needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury? Dr. Berkmortel partners with patients to target no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out a much more achievable reality.
• For patients where experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite is a primary concern, Dr. Berkmortel focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.

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

Riverside Dental, where Dr. Berkmortel practices, is situated in a central location within the Timmins neighborhood of Timmins. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Berkmortel at Riverside Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Berkmortel 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. Berkmortel 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.

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

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

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 essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Riverside Dental.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Berkmortel 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Berkmortel may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Berkmortel 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's important to follow Dr. Berkmortel's specific recommendation.

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. Berkmortel 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).

Riverside Dental
1465 Riverside Dr, Suite A
Timmins, ON, P4R 1M8

Phone: (705) 268-2401

Dr. Mary Catherine Berkmortel 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: 89276

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=89276

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