Dr. Dina Nabil Hafa Nakhla

Dr. Dina Nabil Hafa Nakhla provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.

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

At Ancaster 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. Nakhla frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach at Dr. Nakhla's practice is consistently achieving their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• If a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long has unfortunately put their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Nakhla works closely with patients towards attaining experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The journey from needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect to wellness often involves Dr. Nakhla's dedicated care. The milestone is their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, which opens the door back to activities such as their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care.
• Many people seek Dr. Nakhla's professional help and expertise when dealing with their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral). The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.

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

Ancaster Dental Centre, where Dr. Nakhla practices, is situated in a central location within the Ancaster neighbourhood of Ancaster. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Ancaster Dental Centre.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Nakhla is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Nakhla may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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 diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Nakhla 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).

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Nakhla will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits may be needed if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk). Follow Dr. Nakhla's specific recommendation.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Nakhla for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Ancaster Dental Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Nakhla at Ancaster Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Nakhla will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Yes, Dr. Nakhla understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety. Ancaster Dental Centre may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety with Dr. Nakhla during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Ancaster Dental Centre
99 Fiddlers Green Rd
Ancaster, ON, L9G 1W4

Phone: (905) 648-6116

Dr. Dina Nabil Hafa Nakhla 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: 150655

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=150655

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