Dr. Vivien W.F. Lee – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Vivien W.F. Lee is a Dentist. Practicing at Ottawa Public Health in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Lee is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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. Lee 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 Ottawa Public Health.

Dr. Vivien W.F. Lee earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 1993. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Lee's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Lee is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures that Dr. Lee remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques.

Key aspects of Dr. Lee's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Lee provides consultations in English.

Dr. Vivien W.F. Lee provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.

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

At Ottawa Public Health, 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. Lee frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lee develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee when they first notice their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, enabling them to once again enjoy enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth without hesitation.
• Understanding the frustration needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth can cause, Dr. Lee tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, allowing for renewed participation in activities like participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• When patients discuss a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered, Dr. Lee outlines a path to their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.

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

Dr. Lee's practice, Ottawa Public Health, is situated in the Nepean (Centrepoint, Tanglewood, Craig Henry) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Supreme Court of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Ottawa Public Health directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lee.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lee at Ottawa Public Health?

Your first visit with Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Lee 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, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Lee's specific recommendation.

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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Lee 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 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). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

Ottawa Public Health
1580 Merivale Rd #400
Ottawa, ON, K2G 4B5

Phone: (613) 580-9631

Dr. Vivien W.F. Lee 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: 12815

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12815

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