Dr. Ishita Bipankumar Gakhar – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Ishita Bipankumar Gakhar is a Dentist. Practicing at Uptown Dentistry at Lake in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Gakhar is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gakhar 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. Gakhar 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. Gakhar 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 Uptown Dentistry at Lake.

Dr. Ishita Bipankumar Gakhar earned a Dental Degree from Dharmsinh Desai University, graduating in 2014. With approximately one year of practice since 2024, Dr. Gakhar brings a blend of foundational knowledge and practical experience to their practice. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Gakhar is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Gakhar's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Gakhar provides consultations in English.

Dr. Ishita Bipankumar Gakhar 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

• 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): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

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): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• 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.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.

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

At Uptown Dentistry at Lake, 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. Gakhar frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Gakhar's clinic, addressing experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• For those affected by a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile, Dr. Gakhar provides solutions that lead to their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• If a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment has unfortunately put actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Gakhar works closely with patients towards attaining achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Gakhar about a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal is to attain their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.

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

Uptown Dentistry at Lake, where Dr. Gakhar practices, is situated in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Meridian Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Gakhar 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 visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Gakhar's specific recommendation for 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. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Patients should verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check their private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Uptown Dentistry at Lake.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gakhar at Uptown Dentistry at Lake?

Your first visit with Dr. Gakhar 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. Gakhar 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 to see a general dentist like Dr. Gakhar?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Uptown Dentistry at Lake directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Gakhar.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gakhar 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.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at Uptown Dentistry at Lake with Dr. Gakhar?

We welcome new patients to Uptown Dentistry at Lake! To become a new patient with Dr. Gakhar, please contact the clinic or visit our website to see if online booking is available. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

Uptown Dentistry at Lake
300 Lake St
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 4H2

Dr. Ishita Bipankumar Gakhar 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: 504544

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=504544

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