Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are currently welcoming new patients of all ages to our practice. Contact us today to book your first appointment!

We love new patients! Please call us at 416-530-2400 to schedule a new patient exam and cleaning, or book an appointment online.

We are located at the southeast corner of Roncesvalles Avenue and Fermanagh Avenue/High Park Boulevard. For more detailed directions and a map, see our Contact page.

Dundas West Station is the closest subway station to our office.

See the map on our Contact page for more detailed directions.

The 504 King streetcar goes right past our office. Get off at High Park Blvd/Fermanagh Ave.

Directions and a map are on our Contact page.

Yes, we have another location, The Dentistry Place, located at 1033 Queen Street West at the intersection Queen Street and Ossington Avenue.

For more about The Dentistry Place, click here to visit the website.

Yes, there is metered street parking along Roncesvalles Avenue and 1 hour parking along High Park Boulevard and Fermanagh Avenue.

There is also street parking on many of the side streets surrounding the office.

We do submit insurance claims directly to the insurance company electronically, however, we are a fee-for-service dental office. We do collect payment at the time of service and your insurance carrier will reimburse you directly for the services. A dental insurance plan is a contract between the policy holder and the insurance company; however, we try to assist patients when possible with navigating their insurance plans.

We follow the suggested fee schedule outlined in the Ontario Dental Association Fee Guide.

A schedule for teeth cleaning and dental health maintenance should be established after a complete dental examination, including radiographs. Most people should have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist every 6 months. However, some people may need more frequent visits to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Roncesvalles Dental Centre uses only digital radiographs which emit approximately one-tenth the radiation as conventional radiographs.

Dental check-up radiographs or bitewing x-rays are taken approximately once a year.  Every patient is unique so the dentist will establish the frequency of radiographs based on the specific needs of the individual patient.

Dental radiographs allow the dentist to see what is happening inside the teeth and under the gum tissues. The x-rays allow us to examine for cavities, periodontal disease, bone loss, infections, tooth formation and growth as well as normal tooth eruption patterns.

It is recommended to brush a minimum of two times per day.

Flossing is recommended to remove plaque from between the teeth, a space that is not reached by tooth brushing alone. Plaque between teeth causes cavities and contributes to gingivitis and gum disease.

It is recommended that children have a dental exam approximately six months after the eruption of their first tooth.

The first dental visit will be fun! It will familiarize the child to the dental setting; and an exam and polish will be completed if possible. Oral hygiene and diet instructions will be discussed. Also, it is a great time to ask any questions you may have about your child and their teeth.

Children should brush their teeth 2 times per day: once in the morning (preferably after breakfast) and again before bed.

Children under 3 years of age can start with training toothpaste without fluoride. Starting around 3 years old, the age that a child can rinse and spit effectively, a toothpaste with fluoride should be introduced and used regularly.

Toothpaste with fluoride strengthens the enamel of the teeth, thus decreasing the likeliness of bacteria that can cause tooth decay to attack the teeth.

Yes! Kids need to floss just as much as an adult: everyday, once a day at minimum.

Yes! Children usually need assistance with brushing until approximately 8 years old.

Sealants are a protective coating placed onto the grooves of permanent teeth to prevent cavities from starting. Usually they are placed after complete eruption of the permanent molars.

Yes. Dental decay can occur as soon as children have teeth. Dental decay progresses faster in children, so it is recommended x-rays occur on a regular basis as prescribed by the dentist.

Children usually lose their first lower front incisor between the ages of 4.5-7 years old. The 6 year-old molars usually erupt around the same time as the loss of the first baby tooth.

Kids can see an orthodontist as early as 7-8 years old for assessment. The dentist will recommend a good time for a consultation with an orthodontist.

Yes, we have an orthodontist available in-house: Dr. Maryam Fathimani.

A comprehensive oral exam is needed to evaluate and diagnose all conditions of the dentition and surrounding oral cavity. A new patient exam includes bitewing x-rays and a panoramic radiograph in addition to photographs. At the end of the exam the dentist will discuss all the findings and show the patient the x-rays and photos. Also, the patient is encouraged to ask questions and discuss any concerns.

A filling is a procedure where decay is removed from the tooth and a restoration or filling is placed to restore and replace the missing tooth structure. The filling is contoured to ensure proper function and esthetics of the tooth for integration into the existing dentition. The dentist will utilize the appropriate and indicated local anesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Roncesvalles Dental Centre uses a composite resin material that is white or “tooth-coloured” in appearance.

A root canal is a treatment needed to remove diseased or injured nerve tissue from a tooth. There are several indications for this procedure including severe tooth decay, deep fillings, a cracked tooth or trauma to a tooth. At Roncesvalles Dental Centre, the dentist will completely anesthetize the affected tooth and surrounding tissues to ensure comfort during the procedure.

A crown is a complete covering of a tooth in order to protect the tooth after major treatment such as large fillings and root canals. A crown also serves to protect the tooth from further fracture if a tooth has cracked.

Tooth whitening is a process where the tooth structure is lightened in color by placing solution onto the tooth. Most stains and discoloration can be removed with whitening, however a dentist should complete an examination to evaluate the teeth prior to starting a whitening regime. Whitening can be completed in-office or at home using custom fabricated trays or pre-filled trays.

Moderation is key: occasional whitening of teeth is not usually problematic; however, if used too frequently the enamel or the root structure of the teeth can be damaged. Your dentist will suggest an appropriate whitening schedule.

A night guard is a custom made, thin, acrylic appliance that when worn protects the teeth from the damage of grinding or clenching. It can also help ease symptoms of headaches associated with teeth grinding and clenching.

It is recommended that participants in certain sports, especially contact sports, should wear a mouth guard. The mouth guard can minimize the risk of fractured teeth, cut lips and damage to your mouth. A mouth guard can also reduce the occurrence of concussions when worn as directed.

An implant is a titanium post, similar to the root of a tooth that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant then supports a crown which replaces a single tooth or a bridge or denture which replaces several teeth.

An orthodontist is a certified specialist in orthodontics.  An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an accredited 3 year residency in orthodontics and passed a national orthodontic specialty examination.  The best orthodontic treatment is completed with an orthodontist due to their specialty training, experience and expertise in treating the alignment of teeth and jaws.

At the initial consultation photographs and a panoramic radiograph will be taken. Then the orthodontist will do a comprehensive examination of the teeth and jaws of the patient. With the gathered information, the orthodontist will have a one-on-one discussion covering the treatment options and answer any questions or concerns from the patient or family members.

Yes! Adults of any age can benefit greatly from orthodontic treatment.  A treatment plan for an adult can address conditions such as tooth wear and can preserve tooth structure during the aging process.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation with an orthodontist no later than age 7.  Some children do need early intervention treatment and the orthodontist may start treatment as necessary at this age. The orthodontist will monitor each patient’s growth and development of the dentition starting at age 7.

Treatment options will be selected based on an individualized treatment plan. The options for orthodontic treatment include traditional metal brackets, clear or ceramic brackets or Invisalign. The orthodontist will discuss individual treatment duration necessary with respect to each patient and treatment options.

Invisalign is orthodontic treatment where a series of custom fabricated aligner trays gently move the teeth under the direction of the orthodontist.  The orthodontist plans your customized case and Invisalign makes the trays to the orthodontist specifications.

Invisalign has been proven to successfully move teeth orthodontically however the orthodontist will decide whether a patient can undergo treatment with the Invisalign system. Depending on the patient’s teeth, the alignment and the bite, the orthodontist will advise the differences in treatment duration and the reasons why.

Once a patient begins orthodontic treatment there may be some soreness of the teeth and a possibility of irritation of the oral tissues for the first few days.  The orthodontic team will review the expected discomforts along with tips and tricks of what to expect.

After starting orthodontics a patient usually comes in approximately every 6-8 weeks with traditional brackets and approximately every 10 weeks for Invisalign treatment.  The orthodontist will specify the interval depending on your specific needs and treatment plan.

The orthodontic team will go over dietary concerns at your appointment. Generally avoiding foods that are hard, sticky and chewy are recommended.  Specific instructions on diet will be provided chair-side once the braces are placed. We do recommend a healthy, balanced diet that is low in sugar.

Our office is open 6 days a week with extended hours both early morning and evenings to address any orthodontic emergency. Our staff will get you in for an adjustment as soon as possible.

Call the office for an appointment. We have staff trained to handle all emergencies.

Call our office for an appointment as soon as possible.

Call for an appointment.  A retainer consultation may be needed and is dependent upon the specific situation. The orthodontist will determine the fees and review the information with the patient.

The orthodontist will establish a treatment plan and treatment length specific to you will be reviewed. Typically orthodontic treatment will take a minimum of 18-24 months with longer treatment needed in certain cases. Each patient has specific needs and the treatment plan reflects the duration of treatment.