About
Dr. Dennis Ikuo Azuma is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Horizon Dental Centre in Markham, ON, Dr. Azuma is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Azuma 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. Azuma 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. Azuma 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. Azuma 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 Horizon Dental Centre.
Dr. Dennis Ikuo Azuma earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1976. With over 49 years of practice since 1976, Dr. Azuma 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. Azuma is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Azuma's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; 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. Dr. Azuma provides consultations in English.
Dr. Dennis Ikuo Azuma provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Dental Pain Emergency
- Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
- Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
Tooth Decay Cavities
- Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
- 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.
Special Needs Dental Care Peds
- Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
- Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Azuma. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Minor surgical or laser-assisted gum reshaping to create a more balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious smile by optimizing the gingival architecture.
- Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
- Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
- Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
- Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Azuma. 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. Dennis Ikuo Azuma adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Horizon Dental Centre, 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. Azuma frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- For individuals troubled by their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention, Dr. Azuma's approach is focused on delivering their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions with a healthier smile.
- Dr. Azuma understands that dealing with a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction, helping patients comfortably get back to being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures and feeling their best.
- A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Azuma about a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively is to attain their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
- Are you struggling with noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity? Dr. Azuma partners with patients to target their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped a much more achievable reality.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Azuma, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Azuma is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Horizon Dental Centre, where Dr. Azuma practices, is situated in the Unionville (South), Buttonville, Milliken Mills West neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Markham District Veterans Association and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Azuma for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Azuma will personalize your 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 visits every 3-4 months, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Azuma's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Azuma typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Azuma is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for patients of all ages. 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 such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Azuma also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer you to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Azuma may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.
- 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 by OHIP. 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, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Horizon Dental Centre.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Azuma?
- No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Azuma for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with Horizon Dental Centre.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Azuma at Horizon Dental Centre?
- Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form and discussing any dental concerns or goals with Dr. Azuma. Dr. Azuma will then conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, and digital X-rays may be taken. Following the examination, Dr. Azuma will explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
- 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 only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Azuma will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, always adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
Horizon Dental Centre
3000 Highway #7 E #A105
Markham, ON, L3R 6E1
Phone: (905) 475-5673
Dr. Dennis Ikuo Azuma 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: 8050
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8050
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Azuma 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.