Dr. R. Christopher Downer – Dentist | Whitby, ON

Dr. R. Christopher Downer is a Dentist. Practicing at North Whitby Dental Office in Whitby, ON, Dr. Downer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Downer 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. Downer 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. Downer 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 North Whitby Dental Office.

Dr. R. Christopher Downer earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1991. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. Downer has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Downer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Downer remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, benefiting patients with the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Downer's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Downer provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Downer. 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.
• 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.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At North Whitby Dental Office, 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. Downer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Downer provides dedicated support for patients going through wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development, always aiming for positive outcomes like a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences.
• For individuals troubled by a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially, Dr. Downer's approach is focused on delivering their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity with a healthier smile.
• If their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth has unfortunately put their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Downer works closely with patients towards attaining their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The journey from experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite to wellness often involves Dr. Downer's dedicated care. The milestone is being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, which opens the door back to activities such as experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort.

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

North Whitby Dental Office, where Dr. Downer practices, is situated in the Rolling Acres, Pringle Creek neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently located near Port Whitby Marina and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Downer at North Whitby Dental Office?

Your first visit with Dr. Downer 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. Downer 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.

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 minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Downer 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).

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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Downer 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 slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Downer's specific recommendations.

North Whitby Dental Office
3050 Garden St #127
Whitby, ON, L1R 2G7

Phone: (905) 666-0660

Dr. R. Christopher Downer 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: 11875

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11875

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