Dr. Ekrim Gatih – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Ekrim Gatih is a Dentist. Practicing at Steeles Weston Family Dental in Toronto, ON, Dr. Gatih is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gatih 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. Gatih 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. Gatih 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 Steeles Weston Family Dental.

Dr. Ekrim Gatih earned a Dental Degree from University Of Baghdad, graduating in 1989. With over 25 years of practice since 2000, Dr. Gatih has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Gatih is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Gatih's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Gatih provides consultations in English.

Dr. Ekrim Gatih 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

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.

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

At Steeles Weston Family 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. Gatih frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing with Dr. Gatih's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard and social interactions.
• Patients experiencing a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Gatih's practice, a key objective is the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• Through Dr. Gatih's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident often find they can readily achieve their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• When patients discuss 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), Dr. Gatih outlines a path to experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.

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

Steeles Weston Family Dental, where Dr. Gatih practices, is situated in the Humber Summit neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the US Consulate and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gatih is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Gatih also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex needs arise.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Gatih for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Steeles Weston Family 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 further minimize 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. Gatih 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. Gatih for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Gatih will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Gatih'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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, 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). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gatih at Steeles Weston Family Dental?

At your first appointment, Dr. Gatih and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Gatih will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask questions.

Steeles Weston Family Dental
5109 Steeles Ave W #10
Toronto, ON, M9L 2Y8

Phone: (647) 351-7860

Dr. Ekrim Gatih 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: 49802

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=49802

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