Dr. Chung Mei Teresa Ma – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Chung Mei Teresa Ma is a Dentist. Practicing at The Teresa Dental Clinic in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Ma is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ma 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. Ma 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. Ma 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 The Teresa Dental Clinic.

Dr. Chung Mei Teresa Ma earned a Dental Degree from Mangalore University, graduating in 1988. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Ma has developed extensive clinical experience. Dr. Ma is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Ma's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Ma provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.

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

At The Teresa Dental Clinic, 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. Ma frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard at Dr. Ma's practice is consistently achieving their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
• If ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Ma develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• When concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle, Dr. Ma and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

The Teresa Dental Clinic, where Dr. Ma practices, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ma at The Teresa Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Ma 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. Ma 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 to see a general dentist like Dr. Ma?

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

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

For most adults, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Ma 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, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Ma's specific recommendations.

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 further minimize 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. Ma 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).

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 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at The Teresa Dental Clinic.

The Teresa Dental Clinic
1941 Victoria Park Ave
Scarborough, ON, M1R 1V1

Phone: (416) 447-0257

Dr. Chung Mei Teresa Ma 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: 13303

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13303

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