Dr. Vanessa Christina Anna Fernandes – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Vanessa Christina Anna Fernandes is a Dentist. Practicing at Rivercrest Dental Clinic in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Fernandes is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Fernandes 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. Fernandes 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. Fernandes 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 Rivercrest Dental Clinic.

Dr. Vanessa Christina Anna Fernandes earned a Dental Degree from University Of Poon, graduating in 2000. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Fernandes has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Fernandes is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Fernandes remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Fernandes's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Fernandes provides consultations in English.

Dr. Vanessa Christina Anna Fernandes provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

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.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At Rivercrest Dental Clinic, 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. Fernandes frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Fernandes's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own is focused on achieving having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine without dental concerns.
• Dr. Fernandes expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.
• If experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Fernandes develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• Dr. Fernandes's comprehensive care for an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching is meticulously designed to result in gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort without dental worries.

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

Rivercrest Dental Clinic, where Dr. Fernandes practices, is situated in the Port Arthur North (Current River, Centennial Park area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Access to Intercity Area and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Fernandes at Rivercrest Dental Clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Fernandes and the team at Rivercrest Dental Clinic 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 you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Fernandes will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Fernandes 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, patients managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Fernandes' specific recommendations for your 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 performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. Most dental care costs are 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, social assistance recipients). The Healthy Smiles Ontario program provides dental coverage for eligible children. It is essential to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Rivercrest Dental Clinic.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Fernandes is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. General Dentists also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex dental needs.

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 necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Fernandes will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Rivercrest Dental Clinic
536 River St
Thunder Bay, ON, P7A 3S2

Phone: (807) 344-2921

Dr. Vanessa Christina Anna Fernandes 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: 61787

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=61787

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