Dr. Hayley Michelle Starkman – Dentist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Hayley Michelle Starkman is a Dentist. Practicing at Westmount Dental in Thornhill, ON, Dr. Starkman is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Starkman 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. Starkman 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. Starkman 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 Westmount Dental.

Dr. Hayley Michelle Starkman earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2014. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Starkman has developed a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Starkman is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective dental treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Starkman's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Starkman provides consultations in English.

Dr. Hayley Michelle Starkman 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

• 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• 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.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.

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

At Westmount 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. Starkman frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Starkman's comprehensive care for a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection is meticulously designed to result in their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects without dental worries.
• Effectively addressing an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear with Dr. Starkman's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos and social interactions.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain is a common journey for patients under Dr. Starkman's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, so that daily routines and pleasures like easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums become straightforward again.
• At Dr. Starkman's clinic, addressing a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems means focusing on patient goals. Achieving experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.

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

Westmount Dental, where Dr. Starkman 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Westmount Dental.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Starkman will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Starkman's specific recommendation.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Starkman at Westmount Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Starkman 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. Starkman 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.

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. Starkman 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).

Westmount Dental
8010 Bathurst St #C4
Thornhill, ON, L4J 0B8

Phone: (905) 881-8284

Dr. Hayley Michelle Starkman 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: 101108

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=101108

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