About
Dr. Christopher Matthew Chan is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Main Street Family Dental in Shelburne, ON, Dr. Chan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan 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 Main Street Family Dental.
Dr. Christopher Matthew Chan earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2016. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. Chan 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. Chan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chan remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, benefiting patients with the most current and effective treatment options.
Key aspects of Dr. Chan's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Chan provides consultations in English.
Dr. Christopher Matthew Chan 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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
- 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.
Gag Reflex Management
- Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.
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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chan. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.
- Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
- Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
- Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
- Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chan. 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. Christopher Matthew Chan adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Main Street Family 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. Chan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Understanding the frustration a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal can cause, Dr. Chan tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.
- Dr. Chan often consults with patients whose their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider significantly limits their enjoyment of feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
- A key objective when treating their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling at Dr. Chan's welcoming dental clinic is achieving experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
- When patients discuss a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces, Dr. Chan outlines a path to a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Chan, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Chan is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Main Street Family Dental, where Dr. Chan practices, is situated in a central location within the Shelburne neighborhood of Shelburne. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Chan?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Chan for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Main Street Family Dental.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Chan for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Chan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Chan's specific recommendations.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Chan typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Chan 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Chan also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Chan may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.
- I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Chan offer any sedation options?
- Yes, Dr. Chan understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Main Street Family Dental offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Chan 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. 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 (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check your private dental insurance details before treatment.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chan at Main Street Family Dental?
- At your first appointment, Dr. Chan and the team will get to know you and your oral health. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a detailed examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Chan will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.
- Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?
- Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chan will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
Main Street Family Dental
167 Main St W #101
Shelburne, ON, L9V 3K3
Phone: (519) 925-6991
Dr. Christopher Matthew Chan 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: 109022
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=109022
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Chan 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.