FAQs

Many dental problems can be corrected by a general dentist, but more complex cases often require a coordinated and multi-disciplinary approach, employing the expertise of perhaps several different dental or medical specialists. The role of the Prosthodontist in these cases is best described as being the architect or quarterback of the dental team.

You may need the expertise of a Prosthodontist for one or more of these reasons:

• You are seeking a specialist’s opinion
• Your treatment requires the care of several dental specialists
• You want to improve the esthetics of your smile
• You are missing one or more teeth
• You have damaged or worn teeth
• You are interested in dental implants
• You wear dentures or removable partial dentures

A Prosthodontist is a Dental Specialist who:

• Specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth,
• Has received three years of full-time additional training after becoming a dentist
• Restores optimum appearance & function to your smile.

The training for prosthodontists is earned through a hospital or university-based program which is accredited by the American and/or Canadian Dental Associations. The training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating restorations.

Prosthodontics is one of the dental specialties recognized by the American & Canadian Dental Associations. Graduate programs in Prosthodontics include classroom lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep disorders, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care.

Prosthodontists are trained to treat complex oral rehabilitations & reconstructions involving dental implants, fixed and removable prostheses. They are the skilled architects who can treatment plan & restore optimum function and appearance to your smile.

We will be pleased to see you for your initial consultation. We invite you to call, email or visit us in person for an appointment.

How to become a patient. We accept referrals from all dental specialists as well as from a family member or a friend. You are also welcome to contact us directly. Patients generally return to their General Dentist for ongoing care after their Prosthodontic treatment is completed in our clinic.

To help us prepare for your appointment, please download and fill out our Medical History form prior to your appointment.

Your first consultation usually lasts one hour. Our goal is to understand your concerns, expectations, and goals of treatment. We want to answer your questions regarding your anticipated care in our clinic. Your treating Prosthodontist will perform a thorough examination and assess your needs for treatment. In most cases, you will receive initial advice on treatment options and may be given an anticipated time frame and approximate cost of treatment required for your specific situation. For patients with complex dental needs, it is most often required to gather necessary diagnostic records such as models of your teeth, photographs, and digital radiographs. The cost for your specific and necessary diagnostic records will be provided to you at your consultation. Future appointments may be established after you have expressed interest in pursuing treatment.

For the majority of our patients, a dedicated treatment planning consultation to present our findings and recommendations will be conducted by your treating Prosthodontist before treatment begins. This meeting is usually scheduled within two weeks after your diagnostic records are obtained. Your treating Prosthodontist will evaluate your diagnostic records thoroughly before establishing your treatment plan. During this appointment, a treatment plan with different options will be provided to you along with an estimate of the costs of treatment. You are encouraged to bring your significant other or person who may participate or help in your decisions. Thorough explanations will be provided regarding risks, benefits, alternatives of treatment. All your questions will be answered prior to obtaining your consent to begin treatment.

Once an appointment is made, the time is reserved especially for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, we require at least two business days’ notice of cancellation. A charge may apply for short notice cancellations or missed appointments.

For your convenience, we accept cash, certified cheque, Visa, MasterCard, Debit and EMT (Email Money Transfer). Our goal is to deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients. Payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. When treatments that are more extensive are required, we often divide your total cost in 2 to 4 payments depending on cost and length of treatment. A deposit is required when your first treatment appointment is scheduled and final payment should be received upon completion of your treatment.

We are committed to providing you with the best possible care. You are responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage. If you wish, we will assist you with dental insurance pre-determinations to help calculate your eligible coverage prior to treatment.

Please note that our office does not direct bill your insurance company. However, we will submit a claim electronically or provide you with a dental insurance claim form that you can submit to your private insurer or employer so that you may receive your eligible reimbursement. If you have dental insurance, we are anxious to help you receive your maximum allowable benefits. In order to achieve these goals, we need your assistance, and your understanding of how we work with insurance.

We ask that you come prepared to pay your account at each visit. We accept cash, certified cheque, Visa, MasterCard, Debit and EMT (Email Money Transfer).

We are happy to prepare and file electronic insurance claims. We will provide you with necessary documentation for the services you receive. You will receive reimbursement directly from the insurance company.
Your insurance is a contract between you, your employer, and the insurance company. We emphasize that as health care providers, our relationship is with you, not your insurance company.

Although we can often estimate what your coverage will be, we cannot be responsible for the accuracy of our estimates because of the overwhelming number of insurance plans and changes in coverage that are continually occurring.

Due to the overwhelming number of insurance plans, it is impossible for us to be able to guarantee coverage by your individual insurance plans.