Dr. Earl Mitchel Shields is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Discovery Dental in Ajax, ON, Dr. Shields is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shields 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. Shields 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. Shields 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. Shields 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 Discovery Dental.
Dr. Earl Mitchel Shields earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1992. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Shields 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: N/A. Dr. Shields is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.
Key aspects of Dr. Shields's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Shields provides consultations in English.
Dr. Earl Mitchel Shields provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
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
- Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
- Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
Gum Disease Initial
- Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Shields. 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): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.
- Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
- Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
- Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
- Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Shields. 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. Earl Mitchel Shields adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Discovery Dental, 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. Shields frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Dr. Shields understands that dealing with an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health and feeling their best.
- It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Shields to see patients who were troubled by experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth successfully achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
- Effectively addressing their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence with Dr. Shields's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth and social interactions.
- If feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Shields develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Shields, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Shields is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Discovery Dental, where Dr. Shields practices, is situated in the Southwood, Pickering Beach neighborhood of Ajax. The clinic is conveniently located near Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Shields?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Shields for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Discovery Dental.
- 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 minimize any potential 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. Shields 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 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). Always check your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before treatment.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shields at Discovery Dental?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Shields and the team at Discovery Dental will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Shields will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Shields for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Shields 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 might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Shields' specific recommendation.
Discovery Dental
570 Westney Rd S #7
Ajax, ON, L1S 6V5
Phone: (905) 428-0188
Dr. Earl Mitchel Shields 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: 12165
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12165
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Shields 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.