Dr. Harold Ira Kershen – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Harold Ira Kershen is a Dentist. Practicing at Family Dental Centre in Toronto, ON, Dr. Kershen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kershen 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. Kershen 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. Kershen 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 Family Dental Centre.

Dr. Harold Ira Kershen earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1974. With over 51 years of practice since 1974, Dr. Kershen's extensive clinical experience has provided them with a deep understanding of diverse oral health needs. Dr. Kershen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that their patients receive the most effective and current treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Kershen's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Kershen provides consultations in English.

Dr. Harold Ira Kershen 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

• 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: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.

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

At Family Dental Centre, 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. Kershen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Kershen and the dental team. The clear aim is always gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Patients presenting with their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures under Dr. Kershen's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences without the former limitations or discomfort.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention, involves working systematically towards experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area. Dr. Kershen expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits.
• Overcoming or effectively managing an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention is a common journey for patients under Dr. Kershen's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, so that daily routines and pleasures like their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection become straightforward again.

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

Family Dental Centre, where Dr. Kershen practices, is situated in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Chinatown Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kershen at Family Dental Centre?

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

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 provided by 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 (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Family Dental Centre.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kershen 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. Kershen for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Kershen will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Kershen's specific recommendations.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Family Dental Centre directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Kershen.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kershen provides primary dental care for all ages, offering 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 may offer cosmetic procedures. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

Family Dental Centre
3003 Danforth Ave #5
Toronto, ON, M4C 1M9

Phone: (416) 694-4343

Dr. Harold Ira Kershen 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: 7679

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=7679

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