Dr. Derek Tai Wai Yim – Dentist | Windsor, ON

Dr. Derek Tai Wai Yim is a Dentist (Advanced Dental Imaging - CT Scans). Practicing at Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Windsor, ON, Dr. Yim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Yim 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. Yim 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. Yim utilizes advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), for superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. Dr. Yim 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 Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Derek Tai Wai Yim earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1996. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Yim offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: 2004 - Dalhousie University, Canada (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon); Deep Sedation - General Anesthesia. Dr. Yim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Yim's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Yim provides consultations in English.

Dr. Derek Tai Wai Yim 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

Dental Implant Planning

• Comprehensive Assessment of Jawbone for Dental Implant Suitability: Detailed pre-operative assessment and diagnostic workup specifically for dental implant surgery, including evaluation of adjacent anatomical structures.

Oral Pathology Detection

• Suspicious Lesions, Sores, Lumps, or Patches in the Mouth or on Lips: Concerns about any unusual changes in the appearance or texture of the mouth lining that need to be accurately diagnosed to rule out infection, inflammatory conditions, precancerous changes, or oral cancer.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Advanced 3D dental imaging for precise diagnostics in implant placement, orthodontics, endodontics, or oral surgery cases.
• Basic Orthodontic Assessment & Referral to Specialist: Screening for common orthodontic issues and facilitating timely access to specialist orthodontic treatment.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Dental Implant Consultation, Assessment & Treatment Planning: In-depth discussions covering the entire dental implant process, expected timelines, benefits, potential risks, alternative options, and associated costs to ensure informed patient consent.

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

At Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 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. Yim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits is a primary concern, Dr. Yim focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
• Understanding the frustration their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure can cause, Dr. Yim tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation, allowing for renewed participation in activities like maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Yim when they first notice an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, enabling them to once again enjoy showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion without hesitation.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long, Dr. Yim offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.

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

Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, where Dr. Yim practices, is situated in the Tecumseh East (St. Clair Beach area) neighborhood of Windsor. The clinic is conveniently located near EC Row Expressway Access and is accessible via Transit Windsor. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Yim at Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

Your first visit with Dr. Yim 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. Yim 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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Yim offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Yim understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Yim during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Yim will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Yim's specific recommendation is essential.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Yim.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Yim 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).

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density. Dr. Yim can perform a comprehensive assessment, including X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Yim offers implant consultations and treatment planning.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Yim provides primary dental care, offering preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

Trillium Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
3315 Banwell Rd #100
Windsor, ON, N8N 0B6

Phone: (519) 979-7900

Dr. Derek Tai Wai Yim 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: 13246

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13246

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