Dr. David Frederick Hanmer – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. David Frederick Hanmer is a Periodontist. Practicing at West Toronto Periodontics in Toronto, ON, Dr. Hanmer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hanmer 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. As a certified specialist in Periodontics, Dr. Hanmer focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Services include non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapies, gum grafting, bone grafting, and the surgical placement and maintenance of dental implants, as well as management of peri-implant diseases. Dr. Hanmer 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 West Toronto Periodontics.

Dr. David Frederick Hanmer earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1981. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Periodontist at the University of Toronto in 1984. With over 43 years of practice since 1982, Dr. Hanmer's extensive clinical experience has provided them with a deep understanding of periodontal health and the latest treatment techniques. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Minimal Nitrous Oxide/Oral Sedation; Dentoalveolar CT Scans. Dr. Hanmer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Hanmer's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Hanmer provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. David Frederick Hanmer addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Receding Gums Bone Loss

• Significant Gum Recession or Localized Jawbone Loss Requiring Augmentation: Noticeable and progressive gum recession exposing sensitive tooth roots, or insufficient jawbone volume in areas of missing teeth (often due to previous extractions or gum disease), requiring surgical grafting procedures (soft tissue grafts for gums, bone grafts for jawbone) by a periodontist or oral surgeon to restore tissue, improve aesthetics, facilitate implant placement, or prevent further deterioration.

Peri Implantitis Mucositis

• Inflammation or Infection Around Dental Implants (Peri-Implant Mucositis/Peri-Implantitis): Managing inflammatory conditions around implants to prevent their failure and ensure long-term success.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Dental situations where standard 2D X-rays (bitewings, panoramic) are insufficient and a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is required for accurate diagnosis, assessment of anatomical complexities, or detailed planning of complex treatments like implants, orthodontics, or endodontics.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

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

• Comprehensive Periodontal Examination & Diagnosis: In-depth assessment of gum health, including measuring pocket depths, assessing bone loss via X-rays, evaluating gum recession, and diagnosing various forms of gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Specialist Dental Implant Surgical Placement: Expert surgical placement of dental implants by a periodontal or oral surgery specialist, including management of complex cases, immediate implant placement, and implant site development.
• Periodontal Maintenance Therapy (Supportive Periodontal Care): Crucial follow-up care to manage periodontitis as a chronic condition and prevent further attachment loss.
• Management of Peri-Implant Diseases (Peri-Implant Mucositis & Peri-Implantitis): Diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory conditions affecting dental implants, including peri-implant mucositis (gum inflammation around implants) and peri-implantitis (gum inflammation with bone loss around implants).
• Dental Bone Grafting & Ridge Augmentation: Techniques using various bone graft materials (autograft, allograft, xenograft, alloplast) to restore bone height and width.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. Hanmer is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At West Toronto Periodontics, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Hanmer's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development is focused on achieving their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance without dental concerns.
• If their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli is preventing you from fully enjoying no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth or causing discomfort, Dr. Hanmer offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Hanmer with concerns about a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, making a positive and lasting return to enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Dr. Hanmer understands that dealing with wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, helping patients comfortably get back to showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments and feeling their best.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Hanmer, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Hanmer is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

West Toronto Periodontics, Dr. Hanmer's practice, is situated in the Kingsway, Montgomery's Inn, Old Mill North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Rogers Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Hanmer 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. Hanmer's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hanmer at West Toronto Periodontics?

Your first visit with Dr. Hanmer 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. Hanmer 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). It's essential 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.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Hanmer identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of West Toronto Periodontics'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 West Toronto Periodontics’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 (416) 233-6259. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Hanmer or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Toronto area.

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

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

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Hanmer 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).

Can persistent bad breath or bleeding gums be a sign I need to see a Periodontist like Dr. Hanmer?

Yes, persistent bad breath (halitosis) or bleeding gums can be signs of gum disease (periodontitis). While a general dentist often provides initial treatment, a Periodontist like Dr. Hanmer specializes in diagnosing and treating more advanced or complex cases of gum disease, including surgical and non-surgical therapies to control infection and restore gum health. A referral from a general dentist is common.

West Toronto Periodontics
3280 Bloor St W #280
Toronto, ON, M8X 2X3

Phone: (416) 233-6259

Dr. David Frederick Hanmer is a licensed Periodontist 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: 9774

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9774

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