Are you accepting new patients into your practice?

Absolutely. We’re proud to be able to offer our modern family dentistry to a growing number of patients. We have more information for you on our New Patients page, and to help with your first visit we offer our standard new patients form online.

Do I pay you directly?

You pay us and we will complete all forms that are required by your insurance company and submit them electronically for the most efficient processing of your claim. Often, your insurance company will reimburse your costs within three days, by cheque or direct deposit into your bank account. In addition, we will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment plan options before you begin treatment, so that you can make the best choice for you, your smile, and your family.

Why doesn't my insurance plan cover all of your services?

Typically insurance policies are tailored to a company's overall budget based on estimated common needs for a population. The employer usually buys a plan based on the amount of benefit and how much the premium costs per month. Every patient has unique dental needs based on how well they have cared for their teeth, overall health and aesthetic needs and may require different unique options. Most benefit plans are only designed to cover a portion of the total cost.

What happens if I miss an appointment without prior notice?

If you fail to notify us within 48 hours of cancelling an appointment, we will charge your account a cancellation fee.

What about emergency care?

Because there are five doctors in the office and we offer flexible hours, we can generally see patients as quickly as required. If there is an emergency afterhours there is a phone number on our voicemail indicating who to contact for immediate, emergency dental care.

When should I book my child's first appointment?

Unless there are visible signs of decay or a tooth breaking down, we like to see children starting at the age of three. However, some parents will bring their children with them to their own appointments a bit earlier. This can help familiarize the child with the office and our staff.

Should my child be under the care of a paediatric dentist?

No, generally seeing a regular family dentist is fine.

Why is it important to restore and preserve my child's baby teeth?

Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Untreated cavities in "baby" teeth may lead to abscesses which may permanently damage the adult teeth growing under them. Premature loss of "baby" teeth may lead to unwanted tooth migration and blockage or crowding of the newly arriving permanent teeth.

Do you offer sedation?

We offer nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as "laughing gas" ) which is an effective sedation option for dealing with most patients' mild anxiety. If you suffer fear and anxiety ask us if this option is right for you.

Why do I need X-rays?

X-rays help us to visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. In addition, x-rays help us find and treat dental problems early in their development, which can potentially save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your teeth. We use digital X-rays in our office, which significantly limits your exposure.

Should wisdom teeth always be removed?

This is an area that generally draws differing opinions. Our view is that wisdom teeth should be removed in instances where there is pain or discomfort due to misalignment or an acute or chronic infection in the area of the wisdom tooth. We also suggest extractions if wisdom teeth are in positions which make them difficult to clean and thus susceptible to decay or if they are malpositioned in a way that endangers the teeth directly in front of them.

Are white fillings as strong and durable as the silver ones?

White (composite) fillings are almost as strong as traditional silver (amalgam) fillings. One advantage to composite fillings is that they result in a natural-looking smile. The colour can be closely matched to your natural teeth, so the restorations are nearly undetectable. And because the composite compound actually bonds to your tooth, the seal is tighter and the restored tooth can be even stronger than it was before.

Do I need to have all of my silver fillings removed?

It does not make sense from either a general health point of view or a cost point of view to replace amalgam fillings simply on the basis of vague questions being asked about possible amalgam toxicity. Replacement may be considered for individuals sensitive to dental amalgam or if the silver fillings are failing and teeth would be strengthened by bonded composite fillings. In addition, many patients may replace silver fillings for a whiter, more aesthetically pleasing smile.