Dr. Sean Patrick McDonough – Dentist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Sean Patrick McDonough is a Dentist. Practicing at McDonough Dental Care in Hamilton, ON, Dr. McDonough is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. McDonough 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. McDonough 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. McDonough 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 McDonough Dental Care.

Dr. Sean Patrick McDonough earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1977. With over 48 years of practice since 1977, Dr. McDonough has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. McDonough is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. McDonough's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. McDonough provides consultations in English.

Dr. Sean Patrick McDonough 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 Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

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.

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): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.

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

At McDonough Dental Care, 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. McDonough frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury has unfortunately put enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. McDonough works closely with patients towards attaining their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Dr. McDonough understands that dealing with their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health and feeling their best.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple at Dr. McDonough's practice is consistently achieving their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• For those affected by wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age, Dr. McDonough provides solutions that lead to their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.

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

McDonough Dental Care is situated in the Hamilton Mountain West (Gourley, Rolston) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. McDonough 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. McDonough?

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

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. McDonough 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). Dr. McDonough also provides education on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McDonough at McDonough Dental Care?

At your initial appointment, expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. McDonough will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

McDonough Dental Care
575 Upper James St
Hamilton, ON, L9C 2Y7

Phone: (905) 383-4411

Dr. Sean Patrick McDonough 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: 8489

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8489

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