Dr. Timothy David John Richards

Dr. Timothy David John Richards provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Richards. 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: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.

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

At Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group, 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. Richards frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Richards 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 a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite, means they can happily and comfortably get back to actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• Dr. Richards understands that dealing with wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, helping patients comfortably get back to confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities and feeling their best.
• Managing a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Richards and the dental team. The clear aim is always a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• A key objective when treating their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession at Dr. Richards's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.

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

Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group, where Dr. Richards practices, is situated in the West End (Gatchell, Copper Cliff) neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). 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. Richards at Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group?

Your first visit with Dr. Richards 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. Richards 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.

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 Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group.

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

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

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

Yes, Dr. Richards understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Richards during your consultation so 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. Richards typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Richards 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Richards may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Richards for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Richards 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).

Groupe Dentaire Sudbury Dental Group
36 Elgin St
Sudbury, ON, P3C 5B4

Phone: (705) 673-5615

Dr. Timothy David John Richards 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: 88442

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=88442

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