Dentist for East York patients

East York, and why patients cross Victoria Park

East York was its own municipality until 1998, and from 1967 it was the Borough of East York, Ontario’s last remaining borough before amalgamation. Much of its heart is filled with modest homes built for veterans returning after the Second World War, and many of those houses now hold the families of the people who built them. The Don River separates traditional East York from the old City of Toronto, and Taylor Creek Park runs through its ravines.

Victoria Park Avenue marks East York’s eastern edge along Danforth. Our office is about 2 km past it, at 3520 Danforth Avenue, Unit 107, in the building known locally as Terrace on Danforth. Many East York patients choose us because of our evening and Saturday hours, the parking behind the building, step-free access, and a team that speaks English, French and Farsi and can communicate in ASL.

Getting here from East York

• By subway and bus: ride Line 2 east to Victoria Park station, then take a bus east along Danforth toward Warden, about 2 km. Check the TTC trip planner for current routes.
• By car from central East York: from the O’Connor and Coxwell area it is about 8.5 km by road, usually 15 to 20 minutes outside rush hour. Park behind the building.
• From Dentonia Park and Crescent Town: about 2 km, a short bus ride or a 25 to 30 minute walk.

What East York patients come to us for

• Dental care for parents and grandparents, including dentures, gum care and longer, unhurried visits. See dental care for seniors.
• Canadian Dental Care Plan visits, often the first dental visit in years for an older relative. See CDCP dentist.
• Saturday family appointments for check-ups and cleanings. See dental cleanings and check-ups.
• Same-day emergency care when a regular dentist cannot fit them in. See emergency dentist.
• Care in Farsi for families who prefer it. See dental care in Farsi.

Our services

• Exams, cleanings, oral cancer screening, fluoride, sealants and digital X-rays
• Gum care and non-surgical periodontal treatment
• Tooth-coloured fillings, inlays and onlays
• Root canal therapy and retreatment
• Crowns and bridges
• Dental implants planned with CBCT 3D imaging
• Extractions, including wisdom teeth
• Full and partial dentures
• Children’s dentistry
• Invisalign and braces
• Cosmetic dentistry and whitening
• Night guards and TMJ care
• Gentle care for nervous patients

Bringing an older parent to the dentist

Many East York adults now look after a parent who has lived in the same house for decades. If that is you, these steps make a dental visit easier for everyone:

1. Call ahead and tell us about mobility, hearing, memory or language needs, so we can book a longer appointment at a calm time of day.
2. Bring the medication list, especially blood thinners, heart medications and anything that causes dry mouth.
3. Bring dentures and their case, even if your parent has stopped wearing them because they hurt.
4. Sit in if your parent wants you there. A familiar face helps, and you will hear the plan first-hand.
5. Ask about care at home. We can show you how to help with brushing, cleaning around implants or bridges, and caring for dentures.

Coverage and estimates

We bill most insurers directly and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan. What you pay depends on your plan and the treatment. We explain coverage first and give a written estimate. See insurance and billing.

Helpful guides

• Aging and dental health
• Heart conditions, medications and dental care
• What type of dental exam do you need?
• Bleeding gums: what they mean
• Overbite and underbite

Medications, heart conditions and dental visits

Older patients often take several medications, and some of them matter for dental care. Before any treatment we ask about:

• Blood thinners. Most people should not stop them for routine dental work. Never stop a blood thinner on your own; we coordinate with your doctor when needed.
• Heart conditions and valve replacements. A small group of people with certain heart conditions are advised to take antibiotics before some dental procedures. Your cardiologist or family doctor decides this, and we follow their advice.
• Medicines that dry the mouth, such as some for blood pressure, mood, sleep or allergies. Dry mouth raises the risk of decay, so we may suggest extra fluoride.
• Bone-strengthening medications for osteoporosis, which can matter before an extraction or implant.

Read more in our guide to heart conditions, medications and dental care.

Using the Canadian Dental Care Plan for an older relative

1. Bring the CDCP member information and photo ID to the first visit.
2. We examine, take X-rays and explain what the plan is expected to cover for the treatment needed.
3. Some treatments may need approval from the plan before they start. We explain this and handle the billing directly with the plan.
4. Any amount the plan does not cover is explained in a written estimate before treatment.

Planning a visit from East York

For East York patients, the trip east is usually short. If you drive, there is parking behind the building. If you take transit, Victoria Park station is about 2 km from the office and the 113 Danforth bus runs along the Danforth within about 400 m of our door.

Our hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Tuesday from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Saturday mornings suit families who want children and grandparents seen on the same trip.

Before you come, gather:

• Your insurance card, or your Canadian Dental Care Plan details if you are covered by the plan.
• A list of medications, especially if you take a blood thinner.
• The name of your previous dentist, so we can ask for your x-rays and records with your permission.
• Dentures, partials or a night guard, if you use them.

The team speaks English, French and Farsi and communicates in ASL. Let us know when you book if you need more time, help with mobility or a quieter appointment slot. New patients are welcome, and the new patients page walks through the first visit.

Nearby neighbourhoods

See also Taylor-Massey, Crescent Town, Oakridge and Danforth and Warden.