Dr. Richard James Morris

Dr. Richard James Morris 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: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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): 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. Morris. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• 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.

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

At Morris Dental Group, 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. Morris frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning, Dr. Morris provides solutions that lead to a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Morris when they first notice a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry, enabling them to once again enjoy their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection without hesitation.
• Patients presenting with a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease under Dr. Morris's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Managing a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Morris and the dental team. The clear aim is always their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Morris Dental Group is situated in a central location within the Lively neighborhood of Lively. 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. Morris at Morris Dental Group?

Your first visit with Dr. Morris 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. Morris 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. Morris?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Morris Dental Group directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Morris.

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Morris Dental Group.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Morris 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).

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Morris will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It's important to follow Dr. Morris's specific recommendation.

Morris Dental Group
204 6th Ave PO Box 4291 Stn Main
Lively, ON, P3Y 1N3

Phone: (705) 692-3011

Dr. Richard James Morris 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: 7950

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=7950

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