Dr. Basma Rassam

Dr. Basma Rassam 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• 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.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• 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.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At Jarvis Family Dental Office, 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. Rassam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing can cause, Dr. Rassam tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• The journey from a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection to wellness often involves Dr. Rassam's dedicated care. The milestone is their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, which opens the door back to activities such as their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.
• Dr. Rassam expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession is a common journey for patients under Dr. Rassam's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, so that daily routines and pleasures like confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions become straightforward again.

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

Jarvis Family Dental Office, where Dr. Rassam practices, is situated in a central location within the Jarvis neighborhood of Jarvis. 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Rassam at Jarvis Family Dental Office?

Your first visit with Dr. Rassam 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. Rassam 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 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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

Yes, Dr. Rassam understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Jarvis Family Dental Office offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Rassam during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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. Rassam will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Rassam provides primary dental care, 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 gum disease management, and may offer cosmetic procedures. They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Rassam may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Rassam will personalize this schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits for active gum disease or high caries risk). Follow Dr. Rassam's specific recommendations.

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

No referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Jarvis Family Dental Office directly.

Jarvis Family Dental Office
2121 Main St North Box 40
Jarvis, ON, N0A 1J0

Phone: (519) 587-3368

Dr. Basma Rassam 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: 61955

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=61955

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