Dr. William Gordon Wickens

Dr. William Gordon Wickens provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• 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.

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: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.

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

At St. Clair Beach Dental Ctr, 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. Wickens frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Wickens provides dedicated support for patients going through a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming, always aiming for positive outcomes like a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own, Dr. Wickens offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation, involves working systematically towards a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite. Dr. Wickens expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.
• For those affected by a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection, Dr. Wickens provides solutions that lead to their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.

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

St. Clair Beach Dental Ctr, where Dr. Wickens practices, is situated in a central location within the Tecumseh neighborhood of Tecumseh. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact St. Clair Beach Dental Ctr directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Wickens.

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 diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Wickens 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Wickens at St. Clair Beach Dental Ctr?

Your first visit with Dr. Wickens 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. Wickens 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Wickens 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. Wickens also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Wickens may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Wickens will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some 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 important to follow Dr. Wickens' specific recommendation.

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 important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at St. Clair Beach Dental Ctr.

St. Clair Beach Dental Ctr
13580 Tecumseh Rd E
Tecumseh, ON, N8N 3N7

Phone: (519) 979-3686

Dr. William Gordon Wickens 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: 10282

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10282

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