Dr. Michelle Lindsay Budd

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

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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

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

• 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.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Improving the aesthetics of front teeth with skillfully applied and polished resin material, often requiring minimal or no tooth preparation.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.

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

At Stover Street 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. Budd frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Budd understands that dealing with a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth and feeling their best.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma with Dr. Budd's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment 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.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively is a common journey for patients under Dr. Budd's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, so that daily routines and pleasures like easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain become straightforward again.
• Dr. Budd expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy). A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by receiving a definitive diagnosis for an unusual growth or spot in their mouth, leading to appropriate action, means they can happily and comfortably get back to laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.

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

Stover Street Dental, where Dr. Budd practices, enjoys a central location within the Norwich neighborhood of Norwich. 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Budd at Stover Street Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Budd 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. Budd 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.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Budd 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 are at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's crucial to follow Dr. Budd's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

Yes, Dr. Budd understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Stover Street Dental offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Budd 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. Budd?

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

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). Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

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

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

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Budd 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).

Stover Street Dental
8 Stover St N #102 PO box 959
Norwich, ON, N0J 1P0

Dr. Michelle Lindsay Budd 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: 65256

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=65256

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