Dr. Robert Donald Perkins – Dentist | Cambridge, ON

Dr. Robert Donald Perkins is a Dentist. Practicing at Ainslie Street Dental in Cambridge, ON, Dr. Perkins is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Perkins 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. Perkins 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. Perkins 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 Ainslie Street Dental.

Dr. Robert Donald Perkins earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1987. With over 38 years of practice since 1987, Dr. Perkins has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Perkins is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Perkins's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Perkins provides consultations in English.

Dr. Robert Donald Perkins 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

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Perkins. 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: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• 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.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• 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.

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

At Ainslie Street 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. Perkins frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Perkins's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment often find they can readily achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.
• If concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Perkins develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals at Dr. Perkins's practice is consistently achieving their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• Patients presenting with wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations under Dr. Perkins's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Ainslie Street Dental, where Dr. Perkins practices, is located in the Preston Centre, Preston Heights neighborhood of Cambridge. The clinic enjoys convenient proximity to Idea Exchange Hespeler and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT). 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. Perkins at Ainslie Street Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Perkins and the team at Ainslie Street 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. Perkins will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time 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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Perkins 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 any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Perkins 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 might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Perkins' specific recommendation.

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

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

Ainslie Street Dental
275 Ainslie St S
Cambridge, ON, N1R 3L3

Phone: (519) 621-1270

Dr. Robert Donald Perkins 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: 10973

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10973

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