Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Simcoe Family Dentistry we accept most insurance types, and, when insurance allows, we send the insurance claim on your behalf.  Whether you are interested in dental crowns and bridges, regular hygiene appointments or a comprehensive oral exam, we are happy to submit directly to your insurance.

There are so many different insurance policies available and it is often difficult to decipher what your individual plan will cover.  Our front desk team is happy to take the time to help you to understand your dental insurance.

Simcoe Family Dentistry saves time for dental emergencies in the schedule every day.  From a cracked tooth from biting into something to an unexplained pain or swelling in the mouth, our dentists are here for you when you need them the most.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be having a dental emergency:

• pain
• swelling
• mobility
• fracture

Prompt dental emergency care may mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.  Don’t delay! Contact us to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing and we can direct you to the best next step to get you out of pain and feeling yourself again!

At Simcoe Family Dentistry, the frequency in which it is recommended for you to be seen for a dental hygiene appointment is specific to you and your unique needs.  Our Barrie dentists and hygienists will review your oral health with you and help you to determine what is best for your overall health.  We have patients who require regular hygiene maintenance appointments at frequencies of every 9, 6, 4 and 3 months.  The frequency we recommend for you really depends on many factors:

• How quickly you build up dental calculus (tartar)
• If you are at a greater risk of cavities
• The amount of bleeding and inflammation we find at your regular visits
• The number of deep pockets you have around your teeth which indicate a history of gum disease

Gum disease, especially if left untreated, can put you at risk for multiple systemic diseases and conditions including diabetes and heart disease.  Our goal is to help you understand your risks, educate you about the oral conditions specific to you, and develop a treatment schedule and plan to help you to achieve your best, healthiest smile.  Check out our blog to find out what you can expect at your dental hygiene visit.

Both can be very good, but we prefer to make our recommendations based on your unique needs. There are certainly pros and cons to both options and it is important to take into consideration a number of factors when deciding what type of toothbrush to use.  Some factors include:

• Patient dexterity
• Age (some children get excited about oral hygiene when their toothbrush is electric!)
• There’s an app for that!  Technology can make brushing fun for little ones who are hesitant.

Talk to your dental hygienist at your next appointment to determine which would be best for you!  Our team of dental professionals always makes recommendations based on what is best for you as an individual.  We do not offer a standardized approach, and that is one of the compliments we receive regularly.  Our Barrie dentists look forward to seeing you and your family to develop a treatment plan that will help you achieve your best, healthiest smile!

A professional fluoride treatment is recommended based on certain risk factors.  At your initial oral exam, our team will use numerous diagnostic techniques to determine your caries (cavity) risk factors.  These risk factors include:

• Dry mouth

• Recession

• Diet
• Previous history and extent of cavities (caries)

Your Barrie dentist or dental hygienist can determine if you would benefit from a fluoride application as well as discuss other options and strategies for cavity prevention.

Of course we do! The oral health of our community is of utmost importance to us and that begins with our children.  Ontario has been helping families afford dental treatment, preventive and otherwise, for many years now.  The Healthy Smiles Ontario program can cover regular dental hygiene visits, restorations, extractions and even root canals.  Simcoe Family Dentistry is a very proud supporter of this initiative, and we will always welcome patients with Healthy Smiles Ontario dental insurance.

If you need help applying for this program, or if you have any questions, please contact our office and we will be happy to help!

With so many dental offices in the area, it can be a daunting task when looking for a new dentist Barrie!  We have put together a list of things you can check to see if an office is the right one for you.

1. Have a look at their Google Reviews!  This is a great way to get a sense of what a dental office does well.  Search the keywords in Google reviews for the services you are looking for or the qualities you appreciate in a dentist Barrie.
2. Where is their location?  Is the office close to home and convenient to park at?  On the bus route?
3. Does the office have convenient hours?  Our office is open Monday through Thursday until 7pm for your convenience and Fridays from 9am to 3pm.
4. Have you asked your friends?  Check with friends who live close by to see where they go for their dental care.  They should be able to provide you with some feedback about some of the dental offices in your area.
5. Does the team make you feel comfortable?  Do they address all of your oral health concerns?  Do they provide information to you to help you to improve your oral health in ways that make sense to you?

The dental office you choose should provide a clean and welcoming environment.  The front desk staff should be knowledgeable about the procedures available and should be able to help with any dental insurance questions.  The clinical team should take the time to explain your oral health and diagnosis as well as the procedures recommended to you.  You should feel like your dental team really knows you and cares about your oral and overall health.  Overall, your dental office should be a place you would recommend to your family and friends!

Simcoe Family Dentistry is proud to be able to offer our patients the services of Beautifi, a financing company specializing in medical and dental financing. Beautifi can help you to have your dental treatment right away, while allowing you to pay in low monthly instalments over 6 months to 6 years depending on the financing you choose, with no penalty if you would like to pay your financing off early.

Beautifi has helped many patients like you budget for dental work as you would for any important investment.  The cost of treatment is often a barrier to having the treatment the patient would prefer when there are multiple treatment options of varying costs.  Many patients choose a treatment option that is less ideal for them in the long term due to finances. Beautifi will work with you to provide the financing to help you fit your dental needs into your lifestyle.

You can visit Beautifi at beautifi.com to see how easy it is to get the financing that will help you get the dental treatment you have chosen.

A dental implant is an excellent option to replace a missing tooth.  A dental implant closely mimics a natural tooth.  It has the root form integrated into the bone of your jaw, with a lab-fabricated natural-looking crown affixed to the top.  A dental implant will give you a replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions just like a natural tooth. 

To determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant, your Barrie dentist will perform a clinical examination including x-rays and an updated medical history.  These factors will determine if you have enough healthy bone to support a dental implant and if the option is the best one for you and your lifestyle.