Dr. Robert Lorne Guthrie – Dentist | Parry Sound, ON

Dr. Robert Lorne Guthrie is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Georgian Bay Family Dentistry in Parry Sound, ON, Dr. Guthrie is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Guthrie 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. Guthrie 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. Guthrie also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Robert Lorne Guthrie earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2008. With over 14 years of practice since 2011, Dr. Guthrie offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Guthrie is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Guthrie 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 Georgian Bay Family Dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Guthrie's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Guthrie provides consultations in English.

Dr. Robert Lorne Guthrie 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

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• 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.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At Georgian Bay Family Dentistry, 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. Guthrie frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Guthrie's professional help and expertise when dealing with noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• Patients presenting with a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue under Dr. Guthrie's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding without the former limitations or discomfort.
• When needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Guthrie helps patients strive for achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This makes participating in activities such as getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Overcoming or effectively managing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history is a common journey for patients under Dr. Guthrie's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, so that daily routines and pleasures like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath become straightforward again.

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

Georgian Bay Family Dentistry, where Dr. Guthrie practices, is situated in a central location within the Parry Sound neighborhood of Parry Sound. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Guthrie is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, and the initial management of gum disease. They may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. General dentists educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists when more complex needs arise. Dr. Guthrie may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Georgian Bay Family Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Guthrie.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Guthrie at Georgian Bay Family Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Guthrie and the team at Georgian Bay Family Dentistry 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. Guthrie 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 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. Guthrie 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. Guthrie for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Guthrie 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 is important to follow Dr. Guthrie's specific recommendation.

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.

Georgian Bay Family Dentistry
7 James St
Parry Sound, ON, P2A 1T4

Phone: (705) 746-8317

Dr. Robert Lorne Guthrie 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: 88779

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=88779

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