About
Dr. Peter Douglas Clark is a Dentist. Practicing at Clarmain Dental Centre in Burlington, ON, Dr. Clark is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Clark is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Clark 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. Clark 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 Clarmain Dental Centre.
Dr. Peter Douglas Clark earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1972. With over 53 years of practice since 1972, Dr. Clark's extensive clinical experience has provided them with a deep understanding of the complexities of oral health. Dr. Clark is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.
Key aspects of Dr. Clark's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Clark provides consultations in English.
Dr. Peter Douglas Clark provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Dental Pain Emergency
- Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
- Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
Gum Disease Initial
- Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
Common Dental Issues
- Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
- Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
- Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
Preventative Oral Health Topics
- Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
- Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
- Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Clark. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
- 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.
- Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
- Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
- Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Clark. 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. Peter Douglas Clark adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Clarmain 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. Clark frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Overcoming or effectively managing their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development is a common journey for patients under Dr. Clark's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one, so that daily routines and pleasures like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile become straightforward again.
- It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Clark to see patients who were troubled by an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear successfully achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child participating happily in school photos and social activities.
- When wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Clark helps patients strive for feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This makes participating in activities such as knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage a pleasant and possible experience again.
- Through Dr. Clark's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth often find they can readily achieve their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Clark, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Clark is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Clarmain Dental Centre, where Dr. Clark practices, is situated in the Downtown Burlington, Central neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington Mall and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Clark for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Clark will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent 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. Always follow Dr. Clark's specific recommendations.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Clark typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Clark is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for all ages. This includes 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 like whitening or bonding. Dr. Clark also provides education on oral hygiene and will refer you to specialists for more complex needs.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Clark at Clarmain Dental Centre?
- At your first appointment, Dr. Clark and the team will get to know you and your oral health. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Clark will then explain their assessment and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a great opportunity to ask questions.
- 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 only taken when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Clark will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following 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 Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures in private clinics. Some limited dental surgeries in hospitals might be covered. Most dental care is paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often from employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Clark?
- No referral is needed to see a general dentist. You can contact Clarmain Dental Centre directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Clark.
Clarmain Dental Centre
720 Guelph Line #204
Burlington, ON, L7R 4E2
Phone: (905) 639-7494
Dr. Peter Douglas Clark 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: 7204
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=7204
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Clark 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.