Dr. Samantha Conaty

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

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Dental Pain Emergency

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

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Administering a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask for mild anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and relaxation during dental procedures; suitable for both adults and children with mild to moderate dental apprehension.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.

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

At Gerhart 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. Conaty frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Conaty about one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly is to attain their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• If noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity has unfortunately put maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Conaty works closely with patients towards attaining their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Conaty when they first notice needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect. 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 enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity without hesitation.
• Understanding the frustration a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own can cause, Dr. Conaty tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.

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

Gerhart Dental Group, where Dr. Conaty practices, is situated in a central location within the Hanmer neighborhood of Hanmer. 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.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Conaty 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Conaty may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Conaty 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. Conaty's specific recommendation.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Conaty and the team at Gerhart Dental Group 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. Conaty will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Conaty offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Conaty understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Gerhart Dental Group may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on the specific needs and the planned procedure. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Conaty during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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. Conaty 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).

Gerhart Dental Group
4434 Notre Dame Ave #4
Hanmer, ON, P3P 1X5

Phone: (705) 969-4774

Dr. Samantha Conaty 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: 92187

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92187

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