Dr. Esther Suh Hee Kim – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Esther Suh Hee Kim is a Dentist. Practicing at Old North Family Dentistry in London, ON, Dr. Kim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim 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 Old North Family Dentistry.

Dr. Esther Suh Hee Kim earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2019. With over 6 years of practice since 2019, Dr. Kim has developed extensive clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Kim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Kim's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Kim provides consultations in English.

Dr. Esther Suh Hee Kim provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• 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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• 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.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

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

At Old North Family Dentistry, 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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth at Dr. Kim's welcoming dental clinic is achieving feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
• Many people seek Dr. Kim's professional help and expertise when dealing with a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening with Dr. Kim's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children once more.
• When needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Kim helps patients strive for their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. This makes participating in activities such as waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Old North Family Dentistry, where Dr. Kim practices, is situated in the Old East Village, SoHo (South of Horton) neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Byron Area and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Kim will personalize this schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, patients managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while those with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Kim are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Kim may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Old North Family Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kim.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kim 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Kim also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at Old North Family Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Kim 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. Kim will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

What is Old North Family Dentistry's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Kim. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50. We appreciate your cooperation.

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 or through private dental insurance. Check your private insurance coverage and consider government assistance programs if eligible (e.g., Healthy Smiles Ontario).

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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kim will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

Old North Family Dentistry
559 Waterloo St
London, ON, N6B 2R1

Phone: (519) 438-9921

Dr. Esther Suh Hee Kim 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: 120230

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=120230

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