Dr. Stephen Robert Barlow

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• 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.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.

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

At Dental Studio Brunswick Street, 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. Barlow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Barlow often consults with patients whose wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances significantly limits their enjoyment of playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Many people seek Dr. Barlow's professional help and expertise when dealing with their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• Dr. Barlow expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, means they can happily and comfortably get back to feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain, involves working systematically towards their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again. Dr. Barlow expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.

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

Dental Studio Brunswick Street, where Dr. Barlow practices, is situated in a central location within the Stratford neighborhood of Stratford. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Dental Studio Brunswick Street.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Barlow 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. Barlow's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Barlow at Dental Studio Brunswick Street?

Your first visit will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Barlow will discuss findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Barlow provides primary dental care for all ages, 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 gum disease management, and cosmetic procedures (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

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. Barlow determines the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with Dental Studio Brunswick Street.

Dental Studio Brunswick Street
83 Brunswick St
Stratford, ON, N5A 3L9

Phone: (519) 273-1402

Dr. Stephen Robert Barlow 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: 49960

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=49960

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