Dental FAQs

FAQs About Dentistry In North York, ON


What is dentistry?

Dentistry is the field of healthcare devoted to the health of the teeth, gums, and soft tissues in the mouth.

What should I look for when choosing a dentist?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a dentist. Experience is important, as are more practical things like hours, location, available parking, will the dentist see your entire family, including your children, and are the dentist and staff friendly and approachable?

Dr. Sara Shiewitz and her team are very friendly, down to earth, and approachable. They practice complete family dentistry, providing care for children, adults and seniors, all with a very soft touch. Everyone at Dr. Shiewitz Dentistry genuinely wish to help people achieve their best oral health possible.

Why is visiting the dentist so important?

Visiting our North York dental office on a regular basis is important in prevention of oral disease. And, if a problem is found, such as a cavity, it is much simpler and less costly to treat when it’s small as compared to when it’s large. Dental office cleanings are important in controlling gum disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis. Lastly, Dr. Shiewitz or your dental hygienist can make sure your home care routines and techniques are up to par!

Additionally, examining the soft tissues of the mouth regularly is important in the detection of oral diseases such as oral cancer.

How can I keep my mouth healthy at home?

It’s been said that performing a task for 21 days in a row will help that task become a habit. So follow Dr. Shiewitz’s recommendations for how to clean your teeth properly at home! Soon, if done twice daily, it will become a habit! Brush twice daily for three to four minutes, preferably with a rechargeable toothbrush, and floss or use the recommended interdental tool once or twice daily.

Do I need to see the dentist if I have braces?

Yes! Anything foreign in the mouth will provide nooks and crannies for dental plaque bacteria to stick and build up. This includes braces. So it’s important to have your teeth checked and cleaned during orthodontic treatment. Gingivitis is common in people undergoing orthodontic treatment because of the buildup of plaque around the braces, and cavities can occur too!

We often find that orthodontists request one X-ray of the front teeth every six months during orthodontic treatment, to make sure there is no damage to the roots of the teeth being moved. This X-ray is typically done during the checkup and cleaning appointment.

What happens during my first dental visit?

Your first visit to Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry will involve a thorough review of your medical and dental history. Then there is a very detailed and thorough examination of the entire mouth area. This includes the following:

  • A check for diseases that can present on the soft tissues, like oral cancer
  • Function of the jaw joint
  • Presence of any swollen lymph nodes around the neck and jaw
  • Signs of gum disease
  • Presence of cavities and the state of current restorations
  • Presence of dental acid erosion
  • Oral hygiene (which includes assessment of the distribution of plaque and calculus/tartar)
  • How the teeth are aligned and bite together (occlusion)
  • Number of present and missing teeth
  • Presence of impacted teeth
  • Measurement of periodontal pockets and recession
  • Signs of a clenching or grinding habit


All of this information is documented digitally in your digital records. Based on these findings, Dr. Shiewitz will make recommendations of the number of X-rays (dental radiographs) that are needed. Once the X-rays are taken, Dr. Shiewitz will discuss her findings and treatment recommendations. She encourages all questions and genuinely wants you to understand your oral health.

Looking for a caring, experienced family dentist in North York, ON? Dr. Sara Shiewitz treats patients of all ages and offers a wide range of services for all your oral health needs. Call our North York dental office today at (416) 223-4181 to schedule an appointment!

 

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

WINTER HOURS (October to April)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed

SUMMER HOURS (April to October)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed