Dr. Sean St Louis

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Louis. 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): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.

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

At Harbourview 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. Louis frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food is a primary concern, Dr. Louis focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• Dr. Louis's comprehensive care for their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure is meticulously designed to result in receiving a definitive diagnosis for an unusual growth or spot in their mouth, leading to appropriate action. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health without dental worries.
• If concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Louis develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Louis to see patients who were troubled by a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own successfully achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.

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

Harbourview Dentistry, where Dr. Louis practices, is situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Louis 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. It is crucial to follow Dr. Louis's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Louis at Harbourview Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Louis 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. Louis 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.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Louis 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. Louis?

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

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). It's important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

Harbourview Dentistry
91 Cumberland St S
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6A7

Phone: (807) 345-2211

Dr. Sean St Louis 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: 113834

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=113834

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