Dr. William Karl Hettenhausen – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. William Karl Hettenhausen is a Dentist. Practicing at N/A in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Hettenhausen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hettenhausen 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. Hettenhausen 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. Hettenhausen 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 N/A.

Dr. William Karl Hettenhausen earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1972. With over 53 years of practice since 1972, Dr. Hettenhausen has cultivated extensive clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Hettenhausen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Hettenhausen's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Hettenhausen's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Hettenhausen provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• 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.

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

At N/A, 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. Hettenhausen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Hettenhausen helps patients strive for achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy. This makes participating in activities such as feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes a pleasant and possible experience again.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Hettenhausen about their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling is to attain their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
• Dr. Hettenhausen's comprehensive care for needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury is meticulously designed to result in achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions without dental worries.
• Many people seek Dr. Hettenhausen's professional help and expertise when dealing with noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.

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

Dr. Hettenhausen's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 N/A.

What is N/A's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Hettenhausen. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50. We appreciate your cooperation.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Hettenhausen determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Hettenhausen will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits for active gum disease or high caries risk). Follow Dr. Hettenhausen's specific recommendation.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Hettenhausen for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with N/A.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Hettenhausen is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hettenhausen at N/A?

At your initial appointment, expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Hettenhausen will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

N/A
YTFL Foundation Box 10215
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6T7

Phone: (807) 622-2600

Dr. William Karl Hettenhausen 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: 7231

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=7231

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