Dr. Roy Francis Hudson

Dr. Roy Francis Hudson 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• 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: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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.

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

• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.

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

At St. Laurent Dental Centre, 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. Hudson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Hudson expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, means they can happily and comfortably get back to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Hudson about a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain is to attain understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• If wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is preventing you from fully enjoying attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped or causing discomfort, Dr. Hudson offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Hudson when they first notice looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, enabling them to once again enjoy smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness without hesitation.

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

St. Laurent Dental Centre, where Dr. Hudson practices, is situated in the Overbrook, Castle Heights, Vanier South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow’s Lake Pavilion and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

Generally, preventative check-ups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for most patients. However, Dr. Hudson will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Hudson's specific recommendation is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hudson at St. Laurent Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Hudson 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. Hudson 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Patients should verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance before starting treatment at St. Laurent Dental Centre.

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 further minimize exposure. 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. Hudson 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).

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

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

St. Laurent Dental Centre
1200 St. Laurent Blvd Box 203
Ottawa, ON, K1K 3B8

Phone: (613) 744-6611

Dr. Roy Francis Hudson 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: 10543

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10543

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