Dr. Herman Singh Somal – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Herman Singh Somal is a Dentist. Practicing at Memorial Avenue Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Somal is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Somal 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. Somal 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. Somal 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 Memorial Avenue Dentistry.

Dr. Herman Singh Somal earned a Dental Degree from University Of Melbourne, graduating in 2023. With approximately one year of practice since 2024, Dr. Somal is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Somal's commitment to professional development ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Somal's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Somal provides consultations in English.

Dr. Herman Singh Somal 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

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• 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.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Memorial Avenue Dentistry, 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. Somal frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Somal's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture is focused on achieving their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence without dental concerns.
• At Dr. Somal's clinic, addressing an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal is a common journey for patients under Dr. Somal's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant, so that daily routines and pleasures like delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance become straightforward again.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath at Dr. Somal's practice is consistently achieving finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.

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

Memorial Avenue Dentistry, where Dr. Somal practices, is situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near access to the intercity area and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Somal at Memorial Avenue Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Somal 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. Somal 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Somal 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, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease (gingivitis and mild periodontitis), and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Somal also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

Does Memorial Avenue Dentistry offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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 always used to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or to plan more complex treatments. Dr. Somal 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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Somal will personalize your 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. Always follow Dr. Somal's specific recommendations.

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

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

Memorial Avenue Dentistry
790 Memorial Ave
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 3Z8

Phone: (807) 345-3666

Dr. Herman Singh Somal 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: 504358

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=504358

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