Dr. Harsh Madhu

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Common Dental Issues

• 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.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.
• 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.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.

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

At Dawson Dental Hanover, 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. Madhu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly at Dr. Madhu's practice is consistently achieving experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
• Dr. Madhu understands that dealing with the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile and feeling their best.
• Effectively addressing their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth with Dr. Madhu's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions and social interactions.
• Understanding the frustration needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury can cause, Dr. Madhu tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, allowing for renewed participation in activities like no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.

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

Dawson Dental Hanover, where Dr. Madhu practices, is situated in a central location within the Hanover neighborhood of Hanover. 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. Madhu at Dawson Dental Hanover?

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

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Madhu promptly.

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

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

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

For most adults, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Madhu 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 more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's essential to follow Dr. Madhu's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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 under OHIP. Most dental care costs are usually paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (such as children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). Programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario provide coverage for children from low-income families. It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Dawson Dental Hanover.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Madhu 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).

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Madhu offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Madhu understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Dawson Dental Hanover offers various sedation options. These may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on your needs and Dr. Madhu's qualifications and the planned procedure. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Madhu during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Madhu 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 such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Madhu also provides education on oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs and may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Dawson Dental Hanover
399 18th Ave
Hanover, ON, N4N 3S5

Phone: (519) 364-1970

Dr. Harsh Madhu 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: 501938

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501938

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