Dr. Alvin Martin Sher – Dentist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Alvin Martin Sher is a Dentist. Practicing at DH Smile Center Dentistry in Thornhill, ON, Dr. Sher is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Sher is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Sher provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Sher serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at DH Smile Center Dentistry.

Dr. Alvin Martin Sher earned a Dental Degree from University Of The Witwatersrand, graduating in 1972. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. Sher has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Sher is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Sher's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Sher provides consultations in English.

Dr. Alvin Martin Sher provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Sher. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Sher. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Alvin Martin Sher adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At DH Smile Center Dentistry, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Sher frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Sher's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns is focused on achieving their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence without dental concerns.
• Dr. Sher provides dedicated support for patients going through a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture, always aiming for positive outcomes like achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• Through Dr. Sher's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed often find they can readily achieve their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces with Dr. Sher's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity once more.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Sher, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Sher is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

DH Smile Center Dentistry, where Dr. Sher practices, is situated in a central location within the Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Sher for a check-up and cleaning?

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Sher will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is essential to follow Dr. Sher's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Sher at DH Smile Center Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Sher will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Sher will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at DH Smile Center Dentistry.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to minimize exposure further. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Sher will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Sher?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Sher for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with DH Smile Center Dentistry.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Sher typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Sher is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

What payment options are available at DH Smile Center Dentistry for dental services?

Payment is typically due at the time services are provided. DH Smile Center Dentistry accepts cash, debit, Visa, and MasterCard. We are also experienced in handling claims for most private dental insurance plans. For details on payment plans for larger treatments, please speak with our administrative staff.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sher promptly.

DH Smile Center Dentistry
7900 Bathurst St #8
Thornhill, ON, L4J 0J9

Phone: (905) 709-3177

Dr. Alvin Martin Sher is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 11806

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11806

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Sher and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.