Dr. Michael F. Belanger – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Michael F. Belanger is a Dentist. Practicing at University of Western Ontario in London, ON, Dr. Belanger is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Belanger 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. Belanger 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. Belanger 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 University of Western Ontario.

Dr. Michael F. Belanger earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1980. With over 45 years of practice since 1980, Dr. Belanger's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their commitment to providing comprehensive and up-to-date dental care. Dr. Belanger is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide patients with the most current advancements in dental technology and techniques.

Key aspects of Dr. Belanger's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Belanger provides consultations in English.

Dr. Michael F. Belanger 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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• 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.
• 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 Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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

At University of Western Ontario, 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. Belanger frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Belanger's clinic, addressing needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development with Dr. Belanger's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine once more.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively at Dr. Belanger's practice is consistently achieving their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• If their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession is preventing you from fully enjoying knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage or causing discomfort, Dr. Belanger offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Belanger's practice, University of Western Ontario, is situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Core and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 always 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. Belanger 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. Belanger at University of Western Ontario?

Your first visit with Dr. Belanger 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. Belanger 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. Belanger?

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

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Belanger 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). Follow Dr. Belanger's specific recommendation.

University of Western Ontario
1151 Richmond Street
London, ON, N6A 5C1

Phone: (519) 661-2111

Dr. Michael F. Belanger 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: 9128

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9128

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