About
Dr. Melissa Beth O'Toole is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Family Dentistry on Bay in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Dr. O'Toole is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. O'Toole 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. O'Toole 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. O'Toole also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. O'Toole 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 Family Dentistry on Bay.
Dr. Melissa Beth O'Toole earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 2007. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. O'Toole offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. O'Toole is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. O'Toole's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. O'Toole provides consultations in English.
Dr. Melissa Beth O'Toole provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Gag Reflex Management
- Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.
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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
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: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
- Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
Dental Anxiety Phobia
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. O'Toole. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.
- Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
- Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
- 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.
- Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. O'Toole. 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. Melissa Beth O'Toole adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Family Dentistry on Bay, 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. O'Toole frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. O'Toole when they first notice a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant, enabling them to once again enjoy getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain without hesitation.
- For individuals troubled by wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant, Dr. O'Toole's approach is focused on delivering experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their child participating happily in school photos and social activities with a healthier smile.
- A key objective when treating their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development at Dr. O'Toole's welcoming dental clinic is achieving receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
- Managing their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. O'Toole and the dental team. The clear aim is always their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. O'Toole, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. O'Toole is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Family Dentistry on Bay, Dr. O'Toole's practice, is situated in the Downtown, Central neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Sault Ste. Marie and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. O'Toole for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. O'Toole 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 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 crucial to follow Dr. O'Toole's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. O'Toole typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. O'Toole 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. O'Toole also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. O'Toole may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.
- 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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Always check your private dental insurance coverage details and verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for before treatment.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. O'Toole?
- No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. O'Toole for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Family Dentistry on Bay.
- 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 necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. O'Toole will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. O'Toole at Family Dentistry on Bay?
- Your first visit will involve a comprehensive examination: 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. O'Toole will discuss findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.
Family Dentistry on Bay
766 Bay St
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 0A1
Phone: (705) 949-5593
Dr. Melissa Beth O'Toole 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: 71851
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=71851
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. O'Toole 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.