Question 1

How can I book an appointment with the Plaza Dental Centre?

Accepted Answer

You can easily book an appointment by calling our clinic directly, using our online submission form, engaging our website Chabot, or visiting us in person. We strive to accommodate your preferred time and answer any questions before your visit.

Question 2

Do you accept walk-in patients or is it appointment only?

Accepted Answer

While we recommend booking an appointment to ensure timely service, we do accept walk-ins depending on availability. To enquire about same day or urgent appointments, the most effective thing to do would be to contact us directly to determine our availability.

Question 3

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a valid photo ID, any dental insurance information and a list of medications.  You will be asked to complete New patient forms which includes contact information and a medical history.  Arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment will help make the process as efficient as possible.

Question 4

What happens during my first dental appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit typically involves a New Patient Exam (also called a Comprehensive exam) which includes a review of your medical and dental history, a comprehensive dental exam, X-rays if necessary and a personalized treatment plan.

Question 5

How often should I schedule dental checkups?

Accepted Answer

Regular dental check-ups (a routine exam with the dentist) and regular cleanings (scaling appointment with the hygienist) are based on individual oral heath factors, which can also include patient preference. The oral health factors include a patient’s dental history (presence of fillings, crowns, implants, dentures, etc.), oral hygiene compliance, cavity risk and gum health status (active gum disease or a history of gum disease). In general, routine dental examinations (with the dentist) are done annually and scaling appointments (with the hygienist) are every 3, 4 or 6 months.  Your dentist and hygienist will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your oral health.

Question 6

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your appointment by contacting us at 2 business days in advance to avoid any cancellation fees.

Question 7

Do you accept dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Plaza Dental Centre accepts most major dental insurance plans. Our staff can help verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment.

Question 8

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, credit/debit cards, and in some cases direct insurance billing. Please ask our reception team for details on payment options.

Question 9

What safety measures are in place due to COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

We adhere to the strict provincial infection control protocols mandated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons (RCDSO).  These measures include PPE for staff, disinfection of operatories between patients, sterilization of all dental instruments, and patient screening to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.

Question 10

Do you offer emergency dental appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide emergency dental care for urgent issues like pain, trauma, chipped/broken teeth, or infections. Call us immediately if you need emergency treatment.

Question 11

What services are included in general dentistry?

Accepted Answer

General dentistry encompasses a wide range of essential dental care services focused on maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Plaza Dental Centre, general dentistry includes comprehensive dental exams, professional teeth cleanings, fillings, gum disease treatment, extractions, implants, dentures, oral cancer checks, and patient education on proper dental hygiene. Our team develops personalized treatment plans aimed at preventing dental issues and promoting long-term oral health for patients in Toronto.

Question 12

How can I find a reliable dental clinic for routine dental care?

Accepted Answer

Finding a trustworthy dental clinic that provides routine dental care is important for maintaining a healthy smile. Plaza Dental Centre offers expert dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and preventive care with the latest technology and a patient-centered approach. Our Toronto dental office prioritizes comfort and comprehensive care to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.  You can speak to friends, family and colleagues for their recommendations and also check out Google reviews!

Question 13

How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?

Accepted Answer

In general, professional teeth cleaning appointments with our hygiene team (also known as scaling appointments) occur every 3, 4 or 6 months.  Your dentist and hygienist will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your oral health. Professional teeth cleaning is recommended to remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. Plaza Dental Centre’s experienced dental hygienists provide thorough cleanings that help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Combining professional cleanings with consistent home care ensures a strong, healthy smile.

Question 14

Do you offer fluoride treatments or sealants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Plaza Dental Centre offers fluoride treatments and dental sealants as part of preventive dental care. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay, while sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities, especially in children and teenagers. These preventive treatments are effective in reducing the risk of cavities and maintaining long-term dental health.

Question 15

What types of fillings do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Our dental clinic offers composite resin fillings that closely match the natural color of your teeth, restoring decayed or damaged areas seamlessly. For patients preferring traditional options or for very specific clinical situations, we also provide durable silver amalgam fillings. Our dentists will guide you to choose the best filling type based on your oral health needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget.

Question 16

Are dental fillings painful?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to local anesthesia, dental fillings are typically painless. Most patients experience no discomfort during the procedure.  Getting a dental filling involves removing the decayed/broken part of the tooth and restoring it back to the original shape to allow for normal function and optimal aesthetics.

Question 17

What cosmetic dentistry services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Plaza Dental Centre provides a variety of cosmetic dentistry services including professional teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, crowns, and teeth straightening (Invisalign). These treatments improve the appearance of your teeth by addressing discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment. Our dental professionals create customized treatment plans to help you achieve a confident, radiant smile.

Question 18

How long does teeth whitening last?

Accepted Answer

Professional teeth whitening results can last several months to a few years, depending on your diet, lifestyle and oral care habits. Avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, quitting smoking, and maintaining good dental hygiene will help prolong the brightened effect of your whitening treatment.

Question 19

When do I need a dental crown?

Accepted Answer

Dental crowns are recommended when a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or weakened by decay or after root canal therapy. Crowns restore the tooth’s strength, function, and natural appearance. If you have a compromised tooth, dental crowns offer a durable solution to protect and preserve your smile.

Question 20

What materials are dental crowns made from?

Accepted Answer

Dental crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain and ceramic crowns provide the most natural look and can be used for both front (anterior teeth) and back teeth (premolars and molars) while metal crowns can be used for their optimal strength or areas that are hard to access in the back of the mouth.

Question 21

How long do dental crowns and bridges last?

Accepted Answer

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last between 10 to 15 years or longer. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups help extend the lifespan of these restorations.

Question 22

What is a root canal and when is it necessary?

Accepted Answer

Root canal therapy removes infection or inflammation inside the tooth’s pulp in order to save the tooth from extraction. It is necessary when deep decay, trauma, or infection causes damage to the pulp, often resulting in pain and swelling. Root canal treatment removes the infected tissue and seals the tooth to restore its health.

Question 23

Is root canal treatment painful?

Accepted Answer

Modern root canal procedures are designed to be virtually pain-free, with effective local anesthesia and advanced dental technology. Most patients actually experience relief from pain after treatment.

Question 24

What are dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They function like natural tooth roots in that they are used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants restore chewing function, aesthetics, improve speech, and help maintain jawbone health by preventing bone loss.

Question 25

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Candidates for dental implants should have healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, and be free from medical conditions that affect healing. Our dental team performs thorough evaluations, including imaging, to determine implant suitability and develop personalized treatment plans.

Question 26

How long does the dental implant process take?

Accepted Answer

The dental implant process typically involves several months, including the surgical placement and a healing period which allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration). Each case is unique, and our team guides you through every step to ensure successful treatment.

Question 27

Do you offer orthodontic treatments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Plaza Dental Centre offers orthodontic solutions, using a clear aligner system called Invisalign, to straighten teeth. Properly aligned teeth contribute to better oral health and enhance your smile aesthetics.

Question 28

How do I know if I need braces or Invisalign?

Accepted Answer

Our dental team assesses your teeth alignment, bite, and oral health to recommend the best orthodontic option for you. Both braces and Invisalign can be effective depending on the severity of your case and lifestyle preferences.  If it is decided that braces are more appropriate for your case, or the complexity of the case is out of our scope of practice, we can make the necessary referral to an Orthodontist for further evaluation and options.

Question 29

Do you treat children at Plaza Dental Centre?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide comprehensive dental care for children, including dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and fillings. Our team focuses on creating a positive dental experience to encourage healthy habits from an early age.

Question 30

When should my child visit a dentist for the first time?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that a child’s first dental visit occur within 6 months after the first tooth erupts. Early dental visits help detect potential problems early and familiarize children with dental care.

Question 31

What types of dentures do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer full and partial dentures customized for comfort, function, and natural appearance. Dentures restore your ability to eat, speak clearly, and smile confidently.

Question 32

How do I care for my dentures?

Accepted Answer

Proper denture care includes daily cleaning with a soft brush, soaking overnight in a denture solution, and regular dental checkups. Avoid harsh cleaning agents to prevent damage and maintain fit.

Question 33

Is professional teeth whitening safe?

Accepted Answer

Professional teeth whitening is safe when performed under the supervision of dental professionals. Dental professionals have been trained to minimize risks and while providing effective results.

Question 34

Can I get teeth whitening if I have sensitive teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can.  In general, sensitivity can be one of the side effects of teeth whitening but with professional treatments, it is almost always temporary.  If your teeth are already sensitive then special care must be taken to offer a customized whitening solution designed to minimize sensitivity while brightening your smile.

Question 35

What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?

Accepted Answer

For dental emergencies such as severe pain, swelling, or trauma occurring outside our regular hours, contact the Dental Emergency Services office in Toronto at 416-485-7121. If urgent care is unavailable, visit the nearest hospital emergency room to prevent complications.

Question 36

How do I know if I need urgent dental care?

Accepted Answer

Urgent dental care is needed for symptoms like severe toothache, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or knocked-out teeth. Prompt attention can prevent further damage or infection.

Question 37

Are dental X-rays safe?

Accepted Answer

Dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe.  Our office uses digital X-rays which even further reduces radiation exposure while providing detailed images for accurate diagnosis.

Question 38

Can I get dental care if I’m nervous or anxious about dentists?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Plaza Dental Centre understands dental anxiety and offers a calm, supportive environment. We provide sedation options and gentle care techniques to help patients feel comfortable.

Question 39

Do you offer sedation or general anesthesia options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can offer oral sedation options to ensure comfortable and pain-free dental treatments.  We are not able to provide IV or general anaesthesia options but can refer you to clinics that do provide those sedation service options.

Question 40

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

A dental emergency includes situations such as severe tooth pain, sudden swelling in the mouth or face, a knocked-out or broken tooth, or uncontrollable bleeding. If you experience any of these, immediate dental attention is crucial to prevent further complications.

Question 41

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

Accepted Answer

If you knock out a permanent tooth, try to handle it by the crown only (not the long, yellowish root).  Do NOT rinse it with water.  Avoid touching the root, brush off any obvious debris, and attempt to place it back in the socket, if possible. If that’s not feasible, store the tooth in milk or saline solution and seek emergency dental care right away. Quick action can increase the chances of saving the tooth.

Question 42

Do you provide same-day emergency dental appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Plaza Dental Centre strives to accommodate same-day emergency dental appointments, whenever possible. We understand dental emergencies are urgent and aim to provide timely care to relieve pain and address urgent issues quickly.

Question 43

What treatments are available for dental emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Emergency dental treatments depend on the issue but may include pain relief, temporary fillings, tooth repair, tooth extraction, and/or prescription of pain medication or antibiotics. Our dental team evaluates your condition promptly and develops an effective treatment plan.

Question 44

Is emergency dental care covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many dental insurance plans include coverage for emergency dental services. We recommend checking your policy or contacting our office for assistance with insurance questions related to emergency care.

Question 45

What should I do if I have a dental abscess or infection?

Accepted Answer

A dental abscess is a serious infection that requires immediate attention. Symptoms can include swelling, severe pain, fever, and bad taste or odor in the mouth. If you suspect an abscess, seek emergency dental care promptly.

Question 46

Can dental emergencies be prevented?

Accepted Answer

While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, many can be prevented through good oral hygiene, wearing mouthguards during sports, avoiding chewing hard objects, and attending regular dental checkups.

Neighbourhoods We Serve

The Distillery District

The Distillery District Dental Clinic

Our Dental Services