Dr. Michelle Lepore

Dr. Michelle Lepore 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: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.

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

At N/A, 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. Lepore frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Lepore and the dental team. The clear aim is always their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• If a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lepore develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.
• Understanding the frustration simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning can cause, Dr. Lepore tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, allowing for renewed participation in activities like feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• Dr. Lepore expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry, means they can happily and comfortably get back to attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped.

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

Dr. Lepore's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the South Welland, Dain City neighborhood of Welland. The clinic is conveniently located near Merritt Island Park and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT) / Welland Transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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. Lepore 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).

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 you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment at N/A.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Lepore 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, while others might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Lepore's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lepore at N/A?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lepore and the team at N/A will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Lepore will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lepore 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. Lepore may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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, a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Lepore is often recommended or required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information. If Dr. Lepore identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Lepore offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Lepore understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, N/A offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety with Dr. Lepore during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lepore.

N/A
547 Thorold Rd #2
Welland, ON, L3C 3W9

Phone: (905) 734-9901

Dr. Michelle Lepore 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: 120234

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=120234

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