Dr. Stephanie Marcia Ponsford – Dentist | Kingston, ON

Dr. Stephanie Marcia Ponsford is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Meadowbrook Dental in Kingston, ON, Dr. Ponsford is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ponsford 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. Ponsford 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. Ponsford 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. Ponsford 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 Meadowbrook Dental.

Dr. Stephanie Marcia Ponsford earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 2011. With over 5 years of practice since 2020, Dr. Ponsford 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: N/A. Dr. Ponsford is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Ponsford's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Ponsford provides consultations in English.

Dr. Stephanie Marcia Ponsford 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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• 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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• 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 Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.

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

At Meadowbrook 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. Ponsford frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident at Dr. Ponsford's practice is consistently achieving a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• With Dr. Ponsford's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals is focused on achieving their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion without dental concerns.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Ponsford about a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal is to attain achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine.
• Managing their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Ponsford and the dental team. The clear aim is always their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Meadowbrook Dental, where Dr. Ponsford practices, is situated in the Cataraqui Woods, Bayridge West neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Hotel Dieu Hospital Site and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Ponsford 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).

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Ponsford offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Ponsford understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Meadowbrook Dental offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Ponsford during your consultation so that they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ponsford 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). Dr. Ponsford also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Ponsford may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Does Meadowbrook Dental offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

Yes, for your convenience, Meadowbrook Dental offers direct billing (also known as assignment of benefits) to most major dental insurance companies. This means we can submit your claim electronically directly to your insurer at the time of your appointment. You would then typically be responsible for paying any co-payment, deductible, or the portion of the fee not covered by your specific plan at the time of service. Please bring all your current insurance information (policy number, group number, ID number) to your appointment so we can assist you.

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 by patients or through private dental insurance plans or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ponsford at Meadowbrook Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Ponsford and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination and possibly digital X-rays. Dr. Ponsford will then 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. Ponsford?

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Meadowbrook Dental directly.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Ponsford will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Follow Dr. Ponsford's specific recommendation.

Meadowbrook Dental
542 Armstrong Rd
Kingston, ON, K7M 7N8

Phone: (613) 546-6865

Dr. Stephanie Marcia Ponsford 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: 123229

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=123229

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