Dr. Riley Melissa Schaffer

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.

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.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.

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

At Bay 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. Schaffer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Schaffer's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation is focused on achieving achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post without dental concerns.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Schaffer to see patients who were troubled by a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long successfully achieve their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• For those affected by a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable, Dr. Schaffer provides solutions that lead to their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• Dr. Schaffer expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, means they can happily and comfortably get back to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.

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

Bay Dental Group, where Dr. Schaffer practices, is situated in the Downtown, Central neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near Algoma Steel (nearby) and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 always 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. Schaffer 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. Schaffer for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Schaffer 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 visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Schaffer's specific recommendation is crucial.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Schaffer at Bay Dental Group?

Your first visit with Dr. Schaffer 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. Schaffer 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.

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). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Schaffer is the primary dental care provider, 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

No, a referral is not typically required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You can contact Bay Dental Group directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Schaffer.

Bay Dental Group
648 Bay St #201
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1X8

Phone: (705) 942-9200

Dr. Riley Melissa Schaffer 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: 70696

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=70696

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