Dr. Jae Hee Kim – Dentist | North York, ON

Dr. Jae Hee Kim is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Dr. Richard Kodama Dental Office in North York, ON, Dr. Kim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim 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 Dr. Richard Kodama Dental Office.

Dr. Jae Hee Kim earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2002. With over 23 years of practice since 2002, Dr. Kim 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. Kim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Kim's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Kim provides consultations in English.

Dr. Jae Hee 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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

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.

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.

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Artistic application and sculpting of tooth-coloured composite resin directly onto teeth to repair chips, close small gaps (diastemas), improve tooth shape, lengthen teeth, or cover discolouration, typically completed in a single dental visit.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Cosmetic gum procedures, sometimes using dental lasers or traditional surgical techniques, to precisely reshape an uneven or excessive gum line (gummy smile) or to correct minor gum recession for improved smile aesthetics and tooth proportions.

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. Jae Hee Kim adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Dr. Richard Kodama Dental Office, 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:

• For individuals troubled by their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure, Dr. Kim's approach is focused on delivering their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought with a healthier smile.
• If wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Kim develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• Dr. Kim's comprehensive care for a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile is meticulously designed to result in their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues without dental worries.
• Patients experiencing an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Kim's practice, a key objective is experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.

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, Dr. Richard Kodama Dental Office, is situated in a central location within the North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. 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. For example, some patients may need more frequent 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's crucial to follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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, such as 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at Dr. Richard Kodama Dental Office?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kim and the team at Dr. Richard Kodama Dental Office will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Kim will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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). Check your private dental insurance coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment. Also, verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Dr. Richard Kodama Dental Office
1090 Don Mills Rd #610
North York, ON, M3C 3R6

Phone: (416) 446-0012

Dr. Jae Hee 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: 55702

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=55702

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.