Dr. Edmund John Chithalen – Dentist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Edmund John Chithalen is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at N/A in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Chithalen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chithalen 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. Chithalen 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. Chithalen 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. Chithalen 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 N/A.

Dr. Edmund John Chithalen earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1994. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Chithalen 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 Oral; N/A. Dr. Chithalen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chithalen's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Chithalen provides consultations in English.

Dr. Edmund John Chithalen provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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.

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. Chithalen. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.

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

At N/A, 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. Chithalen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Chithalen helps patients strive for experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies. This makes participating in activities such as maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions a pleasant and possible experience again.
• A key objective when treating feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals at Dr. Chithalen's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns, involves working systematically towards feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up. Dr. Chithalen expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine.
• When patients discuss feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning, Dr. Chithalen outlines a path to their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.

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

Dr. Chithalen's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Recreation Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chithalen 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Chithalen's specific recommendations.

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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at N/A.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chithalen at N/A?

Your first visit with Dr. Chithalen 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. Chithalen 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.

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. Chithalen 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).

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Chithalen.

N/A
118 Stinson St
Hamilton, ON, L8N 1S5

Phone: (905) 522-1188

Dr. Edmund John Chithalen 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: 12736

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12736

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