Dr. Andrew Kiel Tomash

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Andrew Kiel Tomash addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Early Childhood Caries

• Aggressive Tooth Decay (Cavities) in Infants & Toddlers (ECC): Presence of one or more decayed, missing (due to decay), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child 71 months of age or younger, often rapidly progressing and affecting multiple teeth, particularly the upper front teeth.

Dental Trauma Children

• Traumatic Injuries to Primary or Young Permanent Teeth in Children: Seeking expert urgent and long-term care for dental trauma in children to maximize the chances of saving injured teeth, managing pain and infection, and monitoring for potential complications to developing permanent teeth.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Complex dental cases that significantly benefit from the superior diagnostic information and precise measurements provided by CBCT scans for optimal treatment outcomes.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Providing specialized, age-appropriate dental care from infancy through adolescence, including examinations, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and fillings.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Pulp Therapy for Primary Teeth (Pulpotomy, Pulpectomy): Endodontic procedures specifically adapted for children's primary teeth to eliminate infection and preserve the tooth.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Tomash. 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. Andrew Kiel Tomash adhere to scope of practice for Pediatric Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Tomash is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. Andrew Kiel Tomash's practice, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Tomash understands that dealing with an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade, helping patients comfortably get back to no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems and feeling their best.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding, involves working systematically towards their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration. Dr. Tomash expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
• If wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Tomash develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.
• If feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning is preventing you from fully enjoying their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth or causing discomfort, Dr. Tomash offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Tomash, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Tomash is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Tomash's practice is a dental office in Victoria, situated in the Quadra Village, Topaz Park Area neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

How does Dr. Tomash as a Pediatric Dentist manage children with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs?

Dr. Tomash utilizes a gentle and patient-focused approach. Their specialized training includes behavior guidance techniques such as "tell-show-do", positive reinforcement, and distraction methods. The clinic environment is designed to be child-friendly and welcoming. For children with significant anxiety or special needs, Dr. Tomash may utilize nitrous oxide sedation or coordinate care with specialists for deeper sedation or general anesthesia where appropriate and necessary. The decision to use any type of sedation is made after careful consideration of the child's individual needs and in consultation with parents or guardians.

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 always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Tomash adheres to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and will determine the frequency based on your child's individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Tomash at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Tomash 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. Tomash 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.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Tomash identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider if unsure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Tomash will recommend a personalized schedule based on your child's individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some children may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Tomash's specific recommendations is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families). Always verify your eligibility for any public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Tomash for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

203-3550 Saanich Rd
Victoria, BC, V8X 1X2

Phone: (250) 595-3322

Dr. Andrew Kiel Tomash is a licensed Pediatric Dentist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

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