Dr. Vicki Judith Picard

Dr. Vicki Judith Picard 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• 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 Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• 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.

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): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

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

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.

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

At Clinique Dentaire D'Embrun/Embrun 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. Picard frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure can cause, Dr. Picard tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one, allowing for renewed participation in activities like speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
• For those affected by wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age, Dr. Picard provides solutions that lead to feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• Dr. Picard understands that dealing with their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, helping patients comfortably get back to their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection and feeling their best.
• Dr. Picard often consults with patients whose a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment significantly limits their enjoyment of easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Clinique Dentaire D'Embrun/Embrun Dental Clinic, where Dr. Picard practices, is situated in a central location within the Embrun neighborhood of Embrun. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Picard at Clinique Dentaire D'Embrun/Embrun Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Picard 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. Picard 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.

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

Yes, Dr. Picard understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Clinique Dentaire D'Embrun/Embrun Dental Clinic may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Picard 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. Picard typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Picard 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 if offered). Dr. Picard also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Picard will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Picard's specific recommendations.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Picard. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Picard identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Picard 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).

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Clinique Dentaire D'Embrun/Embrun Dental Clinic
19 Rue Blais PO Box 159
Embrun, ON, K0A 1W0

Phone: (613) 443-3738

Dr. Vicki Judith Picard 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: 83438

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=83438

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