Frequently Asked Questions
If you have dental benefits/coverage, please bring your insurance card or insurance information that includes the policy/group # and your subscriber id #. If you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions, please bring a list of your current medications.
There are no universal guidelines for how often you need to visit a dentist. Most people only need to visit us for check-ups twice a year and an annual cleaning once a year. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, you still need to see a dentist on a semi-annual basis. People who are at high risk of tooth decay including smokers, pregnant women, diabetics, people with gum disease or weak immune systems, may need to see a dentist more than twice a year.
It’s wise to be examined by a dentist during pregnancy because the hormones in your body can affect your gums and morning sickness can cause tooth decay. Be sure to tell your dentist in advance of your examination that you are pregnant. In general, dental products are not harmful to pregnant women or unborn children, but amalgam fillings and X-rays are not recommended for women who are pregnant. If you require dental work during pregnancy, the best time to schedule it is between the fourth and sixth month of your pregnancy, aka the second trimester.
Parents should take their children to the dentist for their first check-up after their first birthday. Subsequently, they should go for regular check-ups every 6 to 12 months, so your child’s dentist can monitor their oral hygiene, diet and growth patterns. It is best if your child’s first experience occurs at a time before invasive dental work becomes necessary. A ride on the dental chair, magic tricks with “Mr. Thirsty” and visiting the toy chest should make your child’s visit pleasurable and non-threatening. The first visit should also include the counting of teeth while your child looks at what is happening in a hand held mirror. Remember, early dental check-ups makes it easier to build a good rapport with your child to establish a foundation of trust and comfort for future visits.
Most dental plans cover only a specific percentage of the cost of eligible dental treatment services (services included in the plan); the patient is responsible for the remainder along with any costs not covered by the plan.
For example, many standard dental plans will cover 80 percent of basic/preventive dental services such as dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings and root canals while coverage for other procedures such as crowns, bridges, veneers and dentures may be at 50 percent. Other plans may cover a higher or lower percentage of services; it is rare for any plan to cover 100 percent of every service. You should also be aware that most dental plans have a financial limit. While your dentist can help you understand your plan coverage they are not experts on your plan. It is your responsibility to know the details of your plan.
The details of your plan are protected by the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). While your dentist can help you understand your plan, they do not know the details of your plan and/or any changes that may occur.
Employer plan: If your dental plan is part of an employee benefits package, ask your employer and/or human resource manager for a copy of the plan booklet. You should also speak to them about any questions related to your plan and/or any recommendations you may have for changes to your plan.
Individual plan: If you have and/or are purchasing a private dental plan ask the dental plan provider about available plans outlining what they will cover and for what you will be responsible. When choosing a plan look carefully at what you will be required to pay and what treatment will be covered. Ask your dental plan provider for a copy of the plan booklet.
Many plans also post information online. Ensure that you have the correct information to be able to access these details. Also ensure that you are aware if any changes to your plan occur prior to any dental appointments and/or treatment.
If you are an existing patient with a dental emergency, please call our office for immediate assistance. After hours, the Dental Emergency Service is available at 1650 Yonge St. They can be reached by calling (416) 485-7121.
Children with dental emergencies should be taken to the Hospital for Sick Children, Emergency Department.
