Dr. Sarah-Maude Bélanger

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

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.
• 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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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): 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Bélanger. 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. Sarah-Maude Bélanger adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL - FAC MÉD DENT, 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 Bélanger frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr Bélanger helps patients strive for the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation. This makes participating in activities such as no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work a pleasant and possible experience again.
• For individuals troubled by an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching, Dr Bélanger's approach is focused on delivering their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes with a healthier smile.
• A key objective when treating an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options at Dr Bélanger's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• If a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food has unfortunately put feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr Bélanger works closely with patients towards attaining gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr Bélanger's practice, UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL - FAC MÉD DENT, is situated in the Sainte-Foy Central (Cité Universitaire South) neighborhood of Québec City. The clinic is conveniently located near ExpoCité and is accessible via Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC). 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 a very safe diagnostic tool, especially with modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr Bélanger will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Bélanger at UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL - FAC MÉD DENT?

Your first visit with Dr Bélanger 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 Bélanger 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, provincial health plans like the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. 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). Government assistance programs may provide coverage for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL - FAC MÉD DENT.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Bélanger 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. Following Dr Bélanger's specific recommendation is essential.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr Bélanger typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr Bélanger is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr Bélanger for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL - FAC MÉD DENT.

UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL - FAC MÉD DENT
3558-2420 Rue De La Terrasse
Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6

Phone: (418) 656-2247

Dr. Sarah-Maude Bélanger is a licensed Dentiste in QC, regulated by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) under the Code des professions & Loi sur les dentistes (Québec).

License Number: 12717

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

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