Dr. Michael George Zaharie – Dentist | Lindsay, ON

Dr. Michael George Zaharie is a Dentist. Practicing at McLaughlin Dental Centre in Lindsay, ON, Dr. Zaharie is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Zaharie 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. Zaharie 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. Zaharie 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 McLaughlin Dental Centre.

Dr. Michael George Zaharie earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1987. With over 38 years of practice since 1987, Dr. Zaharie has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Zaharie is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Zaharie remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, benefiting patients with the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Zaharie'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; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Zaharie provides consultations in English.

Dr. Michael George Zaharie 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

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further 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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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 Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.

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

At McLaughlin Dental Centre, 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. Zaharie frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Zaharie often consults with patients whose a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• At Dr. Zaharie's clinic, addressing their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling means focusing on patient goals. Achieving feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
• If their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening is preventing you from fully enjoying their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care or causing discomfort, Dr. Zaharie offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Patients experiencing an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Zaharie's practice, a key objective is a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.

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

McLaughlin Dental Centre, where Dr. Zaharie practices, is situated in a central location within the Lindsay neighborhood of Lindsay. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Zaharie can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Zaharie can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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). Always check your private dental insurance details and verify any potential public coverage before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Zaharie provides primary dental care, offering 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 may offer cosmetic procedures. They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay). Dr. Zaharie determines the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Zaharie at McLaughlin Dental Centre?

At your first appointment, expect a medical history review, a discussion of your dental concerns, a detailed examination, and possibly digital X-rays. Dr. Zaharie will explain their assessment and recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

No referral is needed to see a general dentist. Contact McLaughlin Dental Centre directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zaharie.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Zaharie will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual needs and risk factors. Follow Dr. Zaharie's specific recommendation.

McLaughlin Dental Centre
360 Mary St W
Lindsay, ON, K9V 0K9

Phone: (705) 320-9485

Dr. Michael George Zaharie 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: 10993

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10993

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