Get Your Dental Questions Answered

FAQs

Have inquiries?
Don't hesitate to contact us.
We're eager to hear from you.

What should I expect as a new patient?

Welcome! It's exciting to have you consider joining our dental family. Initially, we usually suggest booking a comprehensive oral assessment and radiographs with one of our skilled dentists. This thorough 1-hour check-up allows the dentist to evaluate your teeth and gums' overall condition and suggest any necessary treatments, including the recommended cleaning intervals. We value transparent communication, ensuring our dentists explain the rationale behind any proposed treatments.

Had a recent comprehensive check-up elsewhere?
No worries! Even though we haven't examined you before and lack your dental history, an initial or specific exam on our part is essential to ascertain if any treatment is needed. If insured, it's wise to check with your insurance provider about coverage for another new patient exam before coming in.

Just a specific tooth bothering you?If you have a particular concern, like a tender or damaged tooth, you can opt for a specific examination. This exam zeroes in on the particular area or tooth in question. It might necessitate an x-ray to scrutinize the tooth's inner health or condition beneath the gum line.

Is cleaning part of the new patient exam?
Unless you've scheduled a consecutive 2-hour session for both a new patient exam and cleaning, the exam won't include a cleaning by a hygienist. We aim to schedule the desired appointment type right from your initial contact, so feel free to inquire further if you have any uncertainties regarding the appointment specifics.

Can I transfer my old dental x-rays?
Absolutely! You can bring along your previous x-rays for your first exam here. However, bear in mind that x-rays older than 9 months might not reflect the current state of your teeth and bone, which may have changed over time. To provide a more current overview, the dentist might take new x-rays during your visit.

How do dental cleanings at Kingsview work?

A standard cleaning session lasts for 1 hour, encompassing procedures like scaling, polishing, and possibly fluoride application. If your dental visits have been infrequent or it's been a while since your last visit, you might need extra appointments to ensure a thorough cleaning of all your teeth. For returning patients, the cleaning appointment could also entail a check-up or x-rays. On the other hand, if you are a new patient, the appointment will solely focus on cleaning unless you've opted for a 2-hour consecutive appointment that includes an initial examination as well.

I have dental insurance - is direct billing to my insurance company an option?

Absolutely! We're among the select clinics in downtown Toronto that offer direct billing for your ease. If you possess Canadian dental insurance, remember to inform our receptionists ahead of your appointment so we can handle the direct billing with your insurance provider post-appointment.

Should your plan endorse 'assignment of benefits', we can bill your insurance directly. They'll cover you up to your eligible amount, and you'll cover the remainder. Conversely, if 'assignment of benefits' isn't supported by your plan, you'll need to settle the full treatment cost on the day. However, we can assist in submitting your claim to ensure you get reimbursed by your insurance. Familiarize yourself with your dental coverage beforehand to steer clear of unexpected surprises!

For an in-depth understanding, explore our post elucidating dental insurance.

Not a patient, but can you provide a dental estimate? Owing to privacy considerations, we're unable to furnish a dental estimate unless you're a clinic patient. Yet, we can share the procedure codes related to various dental treatments like new patient exams, x-rays, cleanings; you can then relay these codes to your insurance provider to ascertain your coverage.

If you're keen on becoming a patient and wish to verify your coverage initially, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll supply some procedure codes to set you on the right track!

I have a secondary dental insurance - what should I bring along?

If you possess secondary dental insurance besides your primary one, it's crucial to inform our receptionists as you arrive for your appointment. For a seamless billing process to your secondary dental insurance, we require: The insurance carrier name, group/plan number, ID/subscriber number, along with the full name and birth date of the secondary policy holder.

What exactly is secondary insurance? Secondary insurance refers to an additional dental coverage plan that usually covers the residual amount not handled by your primary dental plan.

For instance, if your primary plan covers 80% of the treatment cost, your secondary plan may cover the remaining 20%.
Secondary insurance could typically be under a spouse or parent's insurance plan, or even an additional plan under your name.

For any inquiries concerning your insurance coverage, it's always advisable to reach out to your insurance company for

Is direct billing to my health spending account or travel insurance possible?

Unfortunately, we don't offer direct billing to health spending accounts, travel insurance, or to insurance providers located outside Canada. You'll be required to settle the full payment on the treatment day, though we can furnish you with a receipt which you can then submit for reimbursement.

Do you have specialists in the office?

Our group of clinics has periodon

This is beneficial for you as it ensures a tailored treatment plan. Moreover, having all your records centralized in one location aids in streamlined treatment coordination between your dentist and the specialist!

Should your dentist suggest a specialist's intervention post-assessment, they will arrange a referral for you.

How do your rates compare with other dental offices?

Our clinic adheres to the prevailing fee guide of the Ontario Dental Association, aiming to offer you quality dental care at reasonable prices.

We actively encourage our patients to inquire about their dental treatment and the associated costs to have a clear understanding of what lies ahead.

It's important to highlight that hunting for bargains in dentistry could be risky; the primary focus should be on the dentist's expertise, knowledge, and technological proficiency. When it comes to oral care, prioritizing quality over cost is crucial. We invite you to visit our practice before making a decision, to discern what differentiates us from others

What's the protocol for appointment cancellations?

We strive to surpass your expectations during your appointment, with slots allocated expressly for you. In reciprocation, we request that you honor our time by notifying us of any alterations or cancellations at least two (2) business days in advance. This practice assists us in promptly attending to other patients on the waitlist. Your collaboration is much appreciated and we extend our gratitude for your comprehension!

How can I pay?

We accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, Debit, Amex, and cash.

For our patients looking to pay their outstanding balances, you are welcome to come by the office or pay over the phone.
**Please note that phone payments must be made with a credit card only.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! We currently offer a discount for our patients aged 65 and over.

Is tooth whitening covered by insurance?

Typically, insurance plans do not cover whitening treatments since they are deemed cosmetic. However, to confirm, it's advisable to contact your insurance provider.

What leads to tooth discolouration? Tooth discolouration primarily falls into two categories: extrinsic (external stains on the tooth) and intrinsic (stains that discolor the tooth from within).

Extrinsic stains arise from substances that your teeth encounter like red wine, coffee, tea, or tobacco. On the other hand, intrinsic discolouration reflects the actual state of your tooth and may be triggered by certain treatments, excessive fluoride exposure (fluorosis), or particular antibiotics.

While some types and levels of discolouration can be addressed with whitening techniques, others might necessitate veneers, bonding, or alternative restorative measures. Schedule a consultation with us to identify the nature of your stains, and our dentists will advise on the most suitable whitening approach for you.

Explore more about whitening.

How often is a dental visit necessary?

It's advisable to schedule dental check-ups and cleanings at least biannually, although more frequent visits might be suggested by your dentist or dental hygienist based on your dental health.

Regular dental appointments are crucial for averting dental issues and upholding the health of your teeth and gums. Besides cleaning your teeth and screening for cavities, our dentists undertake several vital procedures to ensure your dental wellness, including:

  • Medical history review: Keeping abreast of your current medical conditions, new medications, and overall health is essential for tailoring your dental care.

  • Diagnostic x-ray examination: X-rays play a pivotal role in spotting tooth decay, tumors, cysts, bone loss, and in assessing tooth and root positions.

  • Oral cancer screening: A thorough examination of your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be conducted to detect any indications of oral cancer.

  • Gum disease evaluation: Your gums and the bone surrounding your teeth will be assessed for signs of periodontal disease.

  • Tooth decay examination: Special dental instruments will be employed to inspect all tooth surfaces for decay.

  • Existing restorations examination: The condition of your existing fillings, crowns, etc., will be evaluated.

  • Plaque removal: Plaque, a sticky film on teeth comprising food particles, saliva, and living bacteria, continually grows, producing toxins that can irritate the gums and potentially lead to periodontal disease.

  • Tartar removal: Tartar, or hardened plaque, can accumulate above and below the gum line and necessitates removal with specialized dental instruments.

  • Teeth polishing: This step aids in eliminating stains and plaque that weren't removed during brushing and scaling.

  • Oral hygiene advice: We'll discuss oral hygiene tools with you, recommending the ones most suited to your situation (e.g., electric toothbrushes, specialized cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.)

  • Dietary habits review: Since diet and dental health are closely linked, we'll assist you in making dietary selections conducive to your dental health.

As depicted, our dental check-ups encompass much more than a mere cavity check and teeth polishing. Regular appointments are key to receiving optimum dental care!

What should I do if I have dental anxiety?

It's completely natural to feel anxious about visiting the dentist. We take great pride in fostering a welcoming and understanding environment, thanks to our compassionate dentists and staff. Our aim is to ensure your comfort at every step. If anxiety is holding you back, we suggest scheduling a free consultation to begin with.

During this initial consultation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss any anticipated treatments with the dentist, ask questions about our practice and procedures, and acquaint yourself with our clinic's ambiance. If you're not yet ready to come in, you might find comfort in reading online reviews to identify a dentist in our practice who you feel might be a good fit for you.

For additional support, read our post on managing dental fear and anxiety.

If there's anything you'd like to know or discuss, feel free to give us a call or drop us a message through our website!

What steps should I take in case of a dental emergency?

Dental issues can escalate into severe pain and discomfort if ignored. Our flexible evening and Saturday working hours usually allow us to attend to your dental emergency within an hour of your call.

Whether you're vacationing from another city, an existing patient, or a new one, reach out to us via call or message during office hours if you face a dental emergency. We aim to address your dental emergencies on the same day of your call, in many instances within an hour. If for some reason we are unable to accommodate you at our clinic on a particular day, we'll redirect you to one of our affiliated clinics at Waterview Dental, Parkview Dental, Urbanview Dental, or The Richmond Dental Centre.

In case you're unable to make a call, feel free to message us through our website. Click on the little green button to your right and text us; your message will be instantly relayed to our dental receptionists during office hours.

For our registered patients, if an emergency arises post office hours, you can leave a message on our emergency hotline. Typically, the on-call dentist will return your call within 30 minutes.

We are ardently committed to ensuring that in the event of a dental emergency, you receive prompt and effective care at our clinic.

More insights on handling dental emergencies.