Dr. Frank Lee

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

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• 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.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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

At Westend Smiles Dental Care, 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. Lee frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Lee helps patients strive for their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment. This makes participating in activities such as getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Many people seek Dr. Lee's professional help and expertise when dealing with an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem, Dr. Lee offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.
• At Dr. Lee's clinic, addressing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma means focusing on patient goals. Achieving experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.

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

Westend Smiles Dental Care, where Dr. Lee practices, is situated in the Highland Park, Carlingwood West neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Confederation Square and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lee 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 crucial to follow Dr. Lee's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lee at Westend Smiles Dental Care?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lee and the team at Westend Smiles Dental Care 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. Lee will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Lee for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Westend Smiles Dental Care.

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 also used. 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. Lee 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).

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

Westend Smiles Dental Care
1749 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON, K2A 1C8

Phone: (613) 232-0392

Dr. Frank Lee 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: 13945

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13945

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