Dr. Shayne Matthew Degen

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

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.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

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.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.

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

At N/A, 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. Degen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Degen's practice, a key objective is feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.
• The journey from concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches to wellness often involves Dr. Degen's dedicated care. The milestone is their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, which opens the door back to activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
• Dr. Degen expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, means they can happily and comfortably get back to easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.
• With Dr. Degen's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention is focused on achieving a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Degen's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Centre In The Square and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at N/A.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Degen 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Degen's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Degen.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Degen at N/A?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: 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. Degen will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Degen will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Degen is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Degen may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

N/A
65 Glasgow St
Kitchener, ON, N2G 2G8

Phone: (519) 576-8060

Dr. Shayne Matthew Degen 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: 53113

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=53113

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