Dr. Nathalie Mercier – Dentist | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Nathalie Mercier is a Dentiste. Practicing at CENTRE DENTAIRE LAPOINTE in Gatineau, QC, Dr Mercier is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Mercier is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr Mercier 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 Mercier 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 CENTRE DENTAIRE LAPOINTE.

Dr. Nathalie Mercier earned a Dental Degree. Dr Mercier brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Mercier is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Mercier remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques, technologies, and best practices, benefiting all patients under their care. This dedication to professional development reflects Dr Mercier's commitment to providing the highest quality of dental care.

Key aspects of Dr Mercier's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr Mercier believes in open communication and collaboration with patients to ensure they are fully informed and comfortable throughout their dental experience. Dr Mercier provides consultations in English.

Dr. Nathalie Mercier 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

• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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): 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.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Mercier. 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. Nathalie Mercier adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At CENTRE DENTAIRE LAPOINTE, 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 Mercier frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed? Dr Mercier partners with patients to target understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem a much more achievable reality.
• Effectively addressing recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit with Dr Mercier's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet and social interactions.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth with Dr Mercier's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism once more.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming at Dr Mercier's practice is consistently achieving a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.

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

Dr Mercier's practice, CENTRE DENTAIRE LAPOINTE, is situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is conveniently located near Hôpital de Gatineau and is accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) (includes Rapibus BRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Mercier at CENTRE DENTAIRE LAPOINTE?

Your first visit with Dr Mercier 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 Mercier 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 Mercier?

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

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, provincial health plans like the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at CENTRE DENTAIRE LAPOINTE.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Mercier will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may have longer intervals. Following Dr Mercier's specific recommendations is essential.

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 to further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr Mercier 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).

CENTRE DENTAIRE LAPOINTE
203-290 Boul. Saint-Joseph
Gatineau, QC, J8Y 3Y3

Phone: (819) 661-9164

Dr. Nathalie Mercier is a licensed Dentiste in QC, regulated by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) under the Code des professions & Loi sur les dentistes (Québec).

License Number: 13004

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

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