Dr. Ben Wai Ken Fong – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Ben Wai Ken Fong is a Dentist. Practicing at Herongate Dental in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Fong is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Fong 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. Fong 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. Fong 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 Herongate Dental.

Dr. Ben Wai Ken Fong earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1983. With over 42 years of practice since 1983, Dr. Fong's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their expertise. Dr. Fong is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Fong's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Fong provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.

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

At Herongate 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. Fong frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially, involves working systematically towards a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. Dr. Fong expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort.
• If their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Fong develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent with Dr. Fong's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile once more.
• The journey from an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected to wellness often involves Dr. Fong's dedicated care. The milestone is their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, which opens the door back to activities such as experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.

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

Herongate Dental, where Dr. Fong practices, is situated in the Hunt Club West, Riverside South, Ottawa Airport Area neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Ottawa and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Fong at Herongate Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Fong and the team at Herongate Dental will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Fong will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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

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

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Fong are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Fong may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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 any potential exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Fong 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. Fong for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, a check-up and cleaning every 6 months is recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Fong will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Fong's specific recommendation.

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). It is 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.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Herongate Dental's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Herongate Dental’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (613) 737-7321. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Fong or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Ottawa area.

Herongate Dental
1739 Walkley Rd #1
Ottawa, ON, K1V 2P6

Phone: (613) 737-7321

Dr. Ben Wai Ken Fong 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: 9885

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9885

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