Dr. Fatima Zafar – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Fatima Zafar is a Dentist. Practicing at D on D Dental in Toronto, ON, Dr. Zafar is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Zafar 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. Zafar 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. Zafar 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 D on D Dental.

Dr. Fatima Zafar earned a Dental Degree from University College Cork, graduating in 2022. With approximately one year of practice since 2024, Dr. Zafar's clinical experience continues to grow. Dr. Zafar is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Zafar remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, benefiting all patients under their care.

Key aspects of Dr. Zafar's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Zafar provides consultations in English.

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

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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Common Dental Issues

• 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.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.

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

At D on D 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. Zafar frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Zafar often consults with patients whose experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits significantly limits their enjoyment of delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• The journey from persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene to wellness often involves Dr. Zafar's dedicated care. The milestone is the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation, which opens the door back to activities such as replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• For patients where a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them is a primary concern, Dr. Zafar focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• If concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly has unfortunately put their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Zafar works closely with patients towards attaining their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

D on D Dental, where Dr. Zafar practices, is situated in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Chinatown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Zafar at D on D Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Zafar and the team at D on D 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. Zafar will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of D on D Dental's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of D on D Dental’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (416) 462-1526. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Zafar or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Toronto area.

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 before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Zafar 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact D on D Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Zafar.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Zafar will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Zafar will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits 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). Follow Dr. Zafar's specific recommendation.

D on D Dental
1684 Danforth Ave #3
Toronto, ON, M4C 1H6

Phone: (416) 462-1526

Dr. Fatima Zafar 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: 503971

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=503971

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