Dr. Shawn Chopra – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Shawn Chopra is a Dentist. Practicing at North Shore Dental in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Chopra is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chopra 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. Chopra 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. Chopra 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 North Shore Dental.

Dr. Shawn Chopra earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2009. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Chopra’s experience is extensive. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Chopra is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chopra's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Chopra provides consultations in English.

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

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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.

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

At North Shore Dental, 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. Chopra frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Chopra's clinic, addressing a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.
• For individuals troubled by having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard, Dr. Chopra's approach is focused on delivering their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth with a healthier smile.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching at Dr. Chopra's practice is consistently achieving receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing, involves working systematically towards their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. Dr. Chopra expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.

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

Dr. Chopra's practice, North Shore Dental, is situated in the Fort William West (Westfort, Neebing) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Chopra 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Chopra's specific recommendation is key to maintaining 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. 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. Chopra 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. Chopra at North Shore Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Chopra 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. Chopra 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.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Chopra help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Chopra can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chopra 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

North Shore Dental
1318 East Victoria Ave
Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 1C2

Phone: (807) 623-1284

Dr. Shawn Chopra 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: 80642

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=80642

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