Dr. Stephen Patrick Shanahan – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Stephen Patrick Shanahan is a Dentist. Practicing at N/A in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Shanahan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shanahan 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. Shanahan 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. Shanahan 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 N/A.

Dr. Stephen Patrick Shanahan earned a Dental Degree from Mcgill University, graduating in 1981. With over 44 years of practice since 1981, Dr. Shanahan has cultivated extensive clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Shanahan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Shanahan remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Shanahan's dental practice philosophy include: 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. Shanahan provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• 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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Shanahan. 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. Stephen Patrick Shanahan 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. Shanahan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Shanahan with concerns about their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, making a positive and lasting return to feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily not just possible, but highly feasible.
• With Dr. Shanahan's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider 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 no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems without dental concerns.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Shanahan when they first notice a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, enabling them to once again enjoy confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities without hesitation.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing at Dr. Shanahan's practice is consistently achieving their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.

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

Dr. Shanahan's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Centretown South (Golden Triangle) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow's Lake and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Shanahan 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. Shanahan 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.

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

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

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Shanahan 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Shanahan 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. It is important to follow Dr. Shanahan's specific recommendation.

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). It is important 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 N/A.

N/A
The Kenson Building 225 Metcalfe St #505
Ottawa, ON, K2P 1P9

Phone: (613) 234-5583

Dr. Stephen Patrick Shanahan 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: 9534

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9534

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