Dr. Nicole Teresa Hicks

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.

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

At Inspire 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. Hicks frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them is a common journey for patients under Dr. Hicks's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, so that daily routines and pleasures like their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post become straightforward again.
• Dr. Hicks expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, means they can happily and comfortably get back to smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• When needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle, Dr. Hicks and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Managing their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Hicks and the dental team. The clear aim is always their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Inspire Dental, where Dr. Hicks practices, is situated in a central location within the Woodbridge neighborhood of Woodbridge. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hicks at Inspire Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Hicks and the team at Inspire Dental 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 to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Hicks will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Hicks 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). Dr. Hicks also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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. Hicks 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).

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Hicks will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Following Dr. Hicks's specific recommendation is important.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some specialists may accept patients directly, a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Hicks is often recommended or required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information. If Dr. Hicks identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral.

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

Yes, Dr. Hicks understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Inspire Dental may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Hicks during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket or through private dental insurance. Check your insurance coverage before treatment.

Inspire Dental
3&4-3560 Major Mackenzie Dr
Woodbridge, ON, L4H 4J5

Phone: (905) 850-3443

Dr. Nicole Teresa Hicks 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: 89405

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=89405

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