Dr. Neil Watson Puente

Dr. Neil Watson Puente 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: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• 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.

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

At Tillsonburg 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. Puente frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene, Dr. Puente provides solutions that lead to a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
• If a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about is preventing you from fully enjoying enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth or causing discomfort, Dr. Puente offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• With Dr. Puente's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal is focused on achieving being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without dental concerns.
• The journey from a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems to wellness often involves Dr. Puente's dedicated care. The milestone is their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, which opens the door back to activities such as showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.

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

Tillsonburg Dental Centre, where Dr. Puente practices, is situated in a central location within the Tillsonburg neighborhood of Tillsonburg. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Puente 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 at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Puente's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Puente is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Puente also provides valuable education on proper oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Puente may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Puente 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. Puente will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before starting treatment at Tillsonburg Dental Centre.

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

No, a referral is typically not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Tillsonburg Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Puente.

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 during the procedure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Puente 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).

Tillsonburg Dental Centre
230 Lisgar Ave #1
Tillsonburg, ON, N4G 4L3

Phone: (519) 842-4555

Dr. Neil Watson Puente 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: 65279

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=65279

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