Dr. Andre W Tam – Dentist | Waterdown, ON

Dr. Andre W Tam is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Waterdown Dental in Waterdown, ON, Dr. Tam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tam 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. Tam 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. Tam also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Andre W Tam earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2001. With over 24 years of practice since 2001, Dr. Tam offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Tam is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Tam 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 Waterdown Dental.

Key aspects of Dr. Tam's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Tam provides consultations in English.

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): A personalized and artistic approach to completely redesigning your smile using a carefully selected sequence of cosmetic dental techniques, tailored to your facial features and aesthetic goals.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Tam. 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. Andre W Tam adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Waterdown Dental, 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. Tam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Tam develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Tam to see patients who were troubled by feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth successfully achieve gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• If simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning has unfortunately put feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Tam works closely with patients towards attaining their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Dr. Tam provides dedicated support for patients going through a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces, always aiming for positive outcomes like their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.

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

Waterdown Dental, where Dr. Tam practices, is situated in a central location within the Waterdown neighborhood of Waterdown. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Tam offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Tam understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Waterdown Dental may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Tam during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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 for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Tam at Waterdown Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Tam 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. Tam 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.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Tam 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).

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Tam will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Follow Dr. Tam's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tam is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 (if offered). They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Tam may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Typically, no referral is needed. Patients can contact Waterdown Dental directly.

Waterdown Dental
11 Mill St S PO Box 540
Waterdown, ON, L0R 2H0

Phone: (905) 689-6115

Dr. Andre W Tam 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: 53136

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=53136

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Tam 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.