Dr. Israa Mohamad Khalil Al-Ani – Dentist | Waterloo, ON

Dr. Israa Mohamad Khalil Al-Ani is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Westmount Dental in Waterloo, ON, Dr. Al-Ani is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Al-Ani 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. Al-Ani 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. Al-Ani also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Israa Mohamad Khalil Al-Ani earned a Dental Degree from University Of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, graduating in 2014. With over 8 years of practice since 2017, Dr. Al-Ani offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Al-Ani is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Al-Ani's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Al-Ani provides consultations in English.

Dr. Israa Mohamad Khalil Al-Ani provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

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

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Al-Ani. 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. Israa Mohamad Khalil Al-Ani 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. Al-Ani frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding to wellness often involves Dr. Al-Ani's dedicated care. The milestone is their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, which opens the door back to activities such as their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• When experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies, Dr. Al-Ani and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Al-Ani when they first notice a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, enabling them to once again enjoy showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion without hesitation.
• A key objective when treating a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them at Dr. Al-Ani's welcoming dental clinic is achieving a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Al-Ani, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Al-Ani 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. Al-Ani practices, is situated in the University District (University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Waterloo Public Square and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). 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. Al-Ani?

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. Al-Ani.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Al-Ani will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) 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 between visits. It is important to follow Dr. Al-Ani's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Al-Ani offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Al-Ani understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Westmount Dental offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Al-Ani during your consultation so that the most appropriate and safest sedation approach can be determined for your needs and the planned procedure.

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). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might 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 Westmount Dental.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Al-Ani typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Al-Ani 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Al-Ani may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Al-Ani 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. Al-Ani 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.

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 during the procedure. 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. Al-Ani 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
50 Westmount Rd N #225
Waterloo, ON, N2L 2R5

Phone: (519) 578-2720

Dr. Israa Mohamad Khalil Al-Ani 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: 112569

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=112569

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