Dr. April Xu

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

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Xu. 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: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.

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

At Winston Churchill 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. Xu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed with Dr. Xu's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain and social interactions.
• Are you struggling with their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider? Dr. Xu partners with patients to target achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits a much more achievable reality.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Xu with concerns about one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, making a positive and lasting return to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding not just possible, but highly feasible.
• If needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect is preventing you from fully enjoying attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped or causing discomfort, Dr. Xu offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Xu's practice, Winston Churchill Dental, is situated in the Meadowvale, Meadowvale Village North neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Mississauga Civic Centre and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Xu is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for patients of all ages. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, and initial management of gum disease. Dr. Xu may also offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. They provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Xu may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis, such as for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Xu will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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. Most dental care is paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always check your private insurance coverage details and explore any potential public coverage you may qualify for before starting treatment.

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

Yes, Dr. Xu understands that dental anxiety is common. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Winston Churchill Dental offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your concerns with Dr. Xu during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

No, a referral is not needed to schedule an appointment with Dr. Xu. You can contact Winston Churchill Dental directly.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Xu at Winston Churchill Dental?

Your first visit will include a comprehensive examination: 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. Xu will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A cleaning may also be performed or scheduled.

Winston Churchill Dental
2955 Argentia Rd #D-1
Mississauga, ON, L5N 0A2

Phone: (905) 858-2345

Dr. April Xu 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: 116968

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=116968

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