Dr. Shannon Alison Butler – Dentist | Kingston, ON

Dr. Shannon Alison Butler is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at Smile Garden Dentistry in Kingston, ON, Dr. Butler is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Butler 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. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Butler provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. Dr. Butler 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 Smile Garden Dentistry.

Dr. Shannon Alison Butler earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2001. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Paediatric Dentist at the University of Michigan in 2003. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Butler has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Minimal Nitrous. Dr. Butler is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Butler's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Butler provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Shannon Alison Butler addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Childhood Dental Conditions

• Comprehensive Dental Needs of Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Requiring specialized, age-appropriate, and behaviorally-sensitive dental care tailored to the unique oral health needs, developmental stages, and cooperation levels of growing children, from their first tooth as infants through their teenage years.

Dental Trauma Children

• Traumatic Injuries to Primary or Young Permanent Teeth in Children: Specialized pediatric management of traumatic dental injuries, including splinting, pulp therapy, and aesthetic repairs, tailored to the child's age and dental development.

Early Childhood Caries

• Aggressive Tooth Decay (Cavities) in Infants & Toddlers (ECC): Managing extensive cavities in baby teeth, often requiring comprehensive restorative treatment (fillings, crowns, pulp therapy) and intensive preventative strategies (dietary counseling, fluoride, hygiene modification) to prevent further decay, pain, infection, and ensure proper development and function of both primary and permanent dentitions.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• 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.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Providing specialized, age-appropriate dental care from infancy through adolescence, including examinations, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and fillings.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Pulp Therapy for Primary Teeth (Pulpotomy, Pulpectomy): Treating infected or damaged pulp in primary (baby) teeth to save them from premature loss, which is important for maintaining space for permanent teeth.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Butler is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Smile Garden Dentistry, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time is a common journey for patients under Dr. Butler's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic, so that daily routines and pleasures like confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures become straightforward again.
• Effectively addressing their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral) with Dr. Butler's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion and social interactions.
• Understanding the frustration a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems can cause, Dr. Butler tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, allowing for renewed participation in activities like confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• Patients experiencing a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Butler's practice, a key objective is experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Butler, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Butler is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Smile Garden Dentistry, where Dr. Butler practices, is situated in the Henderson Place, Reddendale neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Queen's University Campus and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Butler. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Butler identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Butler 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 visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Butler's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Butler at Smile Garden Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Butler and the team at Smile Garden Dentistry 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. Butler will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Butler 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).

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 or through private dental insurance. Check for potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Smile Garden Dentistry
817 Bayridge Dr #201
Kingston, ON, K7P 1T5

Phone: (613) 384-0090

Dr. Shannon Alison Butler is a licensed Pediatric 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: 60979

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=60979

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