Dr. Howard York Ho Lim – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Howard York Ho Lim is a Dentist. Practicing at Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre in Toronto, ON, Dr. Lim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lim 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. Lim 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. Lim 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 Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre.

Dr. Howard York Ho Lim earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1980. With over 45 years of practice since 1980, Dr. Lim has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Lim remains at the forefront of advancements in dentistry and provides patients with the most effective and innovative treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Lim's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Lim provides consultations in English.

Dr. Howard York Ho Lim 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• 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.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• 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.

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

At Bathurst-Dundas 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. Lim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth at Dr. Lim's practice is consistently achieving the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Lim to see patients who were troubled by an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention successfully achieve their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
• Dr. Lim often consults with patients whose having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard significantly limits their enjoyment of their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For individuals troubled by a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma, Dr. Lim's approach is focused on delivering achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues with a healthier smile.

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

Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre, where Dr. Lim practices, is situated in the Little Portugal, Trinity neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lim.

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lim at Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Lim 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. Lim 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.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Lim. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Lim identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lim is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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. Lim 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).

What payment options are available at Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre for dental services?

Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre accepts various payment methods, including cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express. We also work with many private dental insurance plans. Please discuss specific payment arrangements and insurance details with our administrative team prior to your treatment. Payment for services is generally expected at the time treatment is rendered.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Lim will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Lim's specific recommendation.

Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre
758 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON, M6J 1T8

Phone: (416) 603-5677

Dr. Howard York Ho Lim 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: 9165

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9165

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