Dr. Sharlene Diane Kopec – Dentist | Owen Sound, ON

Dr. Sharlene Diane Kopec is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Sydenham Family Dentistry in Owen Sound, ON, Dr. Kopec is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kopec 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. Kopec 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. Kopec also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Sharlene Diane Kopec earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1997. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. Kopec offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Kopec is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Kopec 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 Sydenham Family Dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Kopec's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Kopec provides consultations in English.

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

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): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• 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.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.

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

At Sydenham Family 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. Kopec frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Kopec's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered often find they can readily achieve successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kopec to see patients who were troubled by persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene 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 feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• A key objective when treating feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning at Dr. Kopec's welcoming dental clinic is achieving the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.
• Dr. Kopec often consults with patients whose a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider significantly limits their enjoyment of waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Sydenham Family Dentistry, where Dr. Kopec practices, is situated in a central location within the Owen Sound neighborhood of Owen Sound. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Kopec will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) 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. Kopec's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 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 to plan complex treatments. Dr. Kopec 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kopec at Sydenham Family Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Kopec 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. Kopec 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 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). It is essential 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 Sydenham Family Dentistry.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kopec is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Kopec may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

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

Sydenham Family Dentistry
964 First Ave W
Owen Sound, ON, N4K 4K5

Phone: (226) 664-2700

Dr. Sharlene Diane Kopec 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: 13546

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13546

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