When to call the dentist

Symptom	Status	Action
Dull, continuous ache	Non-Emergency	Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.
Sudden, severe discomfort, accompanied by swelling	Possible emergency	Apply a cold compress and see your dentist immediately.
Abscessed tooth	Emergency	An abscess is a localised pus formation usually located at the root end of the tooth. If the condition is acute and there is infection present the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics and analgesics before attempting to perform root canal therapy.
Knocked out tooth	Emergency	Control the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a cold compress. Do not remove or be alarmed, as there may be extensive bleeding. Transport the tooth wrapped in a wet cloth or a glass of milk. Do not rinse the tooth.
Broken tooth	Emergency	Depending on the severity of the fracture it could cause an infection which is much more difficult to treat.
Extruded Tooth (a tooth that is thrust out of normal position but remains attached)	Emergency	Don't try to force the tooth back onto it's socket. Gently reposition the tooth to it's normal alignment. Hold the tooth in place with guaze or a tissue. You must see a dentist immediately.
Facial fracture	Emergency	Make sure the airway is open and transport the victim to medical aid as quickly as possible, either a hospital emergency room or call 911.
Sensitivity to cold	Non-Emergency	Your tooth could be sensitive for a number of reasons. Never apply asprin or heat to the tooth. Contact the dentist and arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
Sensitivity to heat	Urgent	Sensitivity to heat can indicate that an infection is present. See you dentist as soon as possible. If swelling and/or fever are present, consider it to be an emergency. An abscess could be forming.
Broken braces and wires	Urgent	If the broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out carefully. If not, cover the sharp or protruding portion with guaze, cotton balls or even chewing gum. Do not remove this and see your dentist immediately.

What is 'Drill Less Dentistry'?

With drill less dentistry, the dentist uses a mixture of aluminum oxide crystals and air to change the shape or texture of a tooth. Often this procedure is painless and reduces the need for local anesthetic.

How do you decide on your dental fees?

Our fees are based on the patients oral needs and priced in accordance of the current Ontario Dental Association fee guide.

Are there different types of fillings can I choose from??

Are all types of fillings covered under insurance plans?

Not all insurance polices fully cover bonded silver fillings and white fillings on molars (back teeth). You may be required to pay a small additional fee for these procedures. The type of coverage is dependent on what the employer purchases for it's employees. The dentists at 'Health Centre Dental Office' may recommend bonded silver fillings or white fillings on molars due to their added strength and longevity. If you are unaware if your plan fully covers these fillings, please contact your insurance company.

Do you bill insurance companies directly?

Yes we do bill insurance companies directly, however if your insurance company does not pay for the visit in full, we require your portion to be paid at the time of service. For example if your insurance covers 80%, you will be required to pay the remaining 20% on the service date.
If your insurance company mails the payment directly to you then you will be responsible for immediate payment.

What if my insurance information changes?

If your insurance information changes then it is your responsibility to inform the office of these changes as soon as possible.

What if I have an insurance discrepancy?

We do not get involved in insurance discrepancies but will try to help out as best as we can. We are not responsible for knowing individual insurance coverage therefore we recommend all patients to bring with them their insurance coverage manual. We do recommend that all patients pay for their procedures the day of service and have their insurance reimburse them.

When should I bring my child for their first dental visit?

It is recommended that you bring your child for their first 'Happy Visit' between the ages of 2 ½ and 3 years old, unless something unordinary is noticed by the parent or Medical Doctor. This 'Happy Visit' is to familiarize the child with the dental office while having a 'Happy' experience. At this visit the Dentist will give the child a ride in the dental chair and count the child's teeth. Often this is all that is accomplished during their first visit. If the child will let the dentist polish their teeth then that is great. Nothing is forced on the child and it is all based on co-operation.
At the end of the appointment the child will be able to choose a toy or treat from our treasure chest.

My child's teeth seem to be coming in crooked, should I worry?

When a child is losing first teeth and getting permanent teeth, the jaws are still growing and there is a lot of rearranging going on in the mouth. Often, crooked teeth straighten out when other teeth come in around them. Your dentist will be able to advise you whether there is a potential malocclusion (bad bite) problem.

My child's new permanent teeth seem very yellow. What causes discoloured or spotted teeth?

Permanent teeth are usually more yellow than the first teeth. First teeth are sometimes called 'milk teeth' because of their colour, not because of the infant's diet, Discolouring and spotting can be caused by certain medications or by to much fluoride. The yellow colour of your child's teeth is probably perfectly normal, but check with your dentist during your child's next visit.

My child's tooth is loose, ready to come out, and the permanent tooth is already through. Should I pull the loose tooth out?

It is o.k. for children to wiggle their loose first teeth, but don't use force to pull them. A tooth may be loose for weeks. Do not hurry the process with force of any kind. If you need force, then the tooth is not ready to come out. you will notice very little bleeding if you let the tooth come out on it's own. It is not uncommon for a permanent tooth to start to come in before the first tooth has fallen out. Seek the advice from your dentist in this case who may recommend the first tooth be removed to prevent problems with the eruption of the permanent teeth. It is not advised that you attempt this own your own.

The dentist says my child needs a filling in a baby tooth. This tooth is going to fall out soon anyway - why bother?

If decay spreads deep into the tooth, it can cause abscess and pain and the tooth may need to be extracted. The infection can also affect the developing permanent tooth underneath. Preventing problems is best in terms of comfort and cost, fixing a small problem is easier and cheaper then waiting until it becomes major.

My child banged a front tooth. It seemed alright but now it's turning dark. What should I do?

The discolouration shows the pulp, or soft inner tissue (nerve) has been injured. This represents a possible source of infection that should be assessed and monitored. Take your child to the dentist who can determine the next course in action.

If I was a patient of the Knob Hill Dental Farms dental office are my records still with your office?

Do you have any dental specialists on staff?

Yes, we have a Periodontist, Dr. Stephen Goldman and our orthodontist, Dr. Schipper.

Do you have a denture therapist on staff?

Yes we do, Michael Litvak has also been with us for years and has followed us to Health Centre Dental.

Can I change an existing appointment at your web site?

You can request changes of appointment times for any appointment 7 days into the future. The requested appointment time IS dependent on previous bookings and staffing, so we recommend that you call the office directly and speak to one of our friendly front desk staff. They would be glad to help you.