Dr. Francis Keng-Wai Long – Dentist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Francis Keng-Wai Long is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic in Thornhill, ON, Dr. Long is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Long 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. Long 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. Long 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. Long 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 Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic.

Dr. Francis Keng-Wai Long earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1977. With over 48 years of practice since 1977, Dr. Long 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 Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Long is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Long's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Long provides consultations in English.

Dr. Francis Keng-Wai Long provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

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.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

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

At Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic, 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. Long frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional is a common journey for patients under Dr. Long's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed, so that daily routines and pleasures like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing become straightforward again.
• Dr. Long often consults with patients whose a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close significantly limits their enjoyment of enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Long with concerns about a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration, making a positive and lasting return to enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Understanding the frustration wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances can cause, Dr. Long tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, allowing for renewed participation in activities like singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.

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

Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic, where Dr. Long practices, is situated in a central location within the Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Long at Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Long and the team at Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic 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. Long will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Long 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. Long for a check-up and cleaning?

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

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). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Long.

Smile in Thornhill Dental Clinic
8175 Yonge St
Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C6

Phone: (905) 881-7839

Dr. Francis Keng-Wai Long 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: 8393

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8393

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