Dr. Stephen Thomas Adams – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Stephen Thomas Adams is a Dentist. Practicing at Family Dental Practice in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Adams is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Adams 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. Adams 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. Adams 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 Family Dental Practice.

Dr. Stephen Thomas Adams earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1992. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Adams has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Adams is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Adams's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Adams provides consultations in English.

Dr. Stephen Thomas Adams 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

• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.

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

At Family Dental Practice, 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. Adams frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Adams's professional help and expertise when dealing with their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Adams with concerns about a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, making a positive and lasting return to enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine not just possible, but highly feasible.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Adams to see patients who were troubled by experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth successfully achieve receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.
• At Dr. Adams's clinic, addressing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history means focusing on patient goals. Achieving feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.

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

Family Dental Practice, where Dr. Adams practices, is situated in the Fort William East (Downtown South Core, East End) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near access to the intercity area 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. Adams for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Adams will personalize your schedule based on individual needs, risk factors (like cavities or gum disease), and any existing conditions. For example, some patients might need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Adams' specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 in private dental clinics for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are usually paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Family Dental Practice.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Adams will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, a referral is not typically needed to see a general dentist. You can contact Family Dental Practice directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Adams.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Adams at Family Dental Practice?

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form, discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr. Adams, and undergoing a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Adams will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatment. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions.

Family Dental Practice
598 West Arthur St
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 5R7

Phone: (807) 475-7174

Dr. Stephen Thomas Adams 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: 12186

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12186

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