Dr. Hong Joo Kim

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

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

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Kim. 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: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• 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.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.

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

At N/A, 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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure is a common journey for patients under Dr. Kim's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, so that daily routines and pleasures like showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion become straightforward again.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim when they first notice a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation, enabling them to once again enjoy their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet without hesitation.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected, involves working systematically towards achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. Dr. Kim expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort.
• For patients where concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly is a primary concern, Dr. Kim focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.

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

Dr. Kim's practice, which is N/A, is situated in a central location within the Don Mills neighborhood of Don Mills. 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kim 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, and dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, and the initial management of gum disease. They may also offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Kim also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at N/A?

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

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kim.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Kim 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 visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendations.

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. Kim 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 through employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always check your private dental insurance coverage and any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

N/A
18 Wynford Dr #501
Don Mills, ON, M3C 3S2

Phone: (416) 391-2828

Dr. Hong Joo Kim 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: 12994

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12994

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