Dr. Joyce Kim – Dentist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Joyce Kim is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Crescent Oak Dental in Kitchener, 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. Joyce Kim earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2014. With over 8 years of practice since 2017, 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: N/A. Dr. Kim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Kim remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer their patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Kim's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. 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 Crescent Oak Dental. Dr. Kim provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

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): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.

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

At Crescent Oak 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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning with Dr. Kim's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children once more.
• Understanding the frustration their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort can cause, Dr. Kim tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, allowing for renewed participation in activities like confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• Dr. Kim provides dedicated support for patients going through noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer, always aiming for positive outcomes like experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Kim about a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection is to attain transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.

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.

Crescent Oak Dental, where Dr. Kim practices, is situated in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Laurentian Power Centre 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.

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, for example, 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 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 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 if offered). Dr. Kim also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Kim may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Crescent Oak Dental's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Crescent Oak Dental’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (519) 748-2313. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Kim or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Kitchener area.

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 Crescent Oak Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kim.

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

Generally, we recommend every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Kim 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). It is important to follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendation.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at Crescent Oak Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kim and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Kim will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Yes, Dr. Kim understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Crescent Oak Dental offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Kim during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Crescent Oak Dental
1020 Ottawa St N #8
Kitchener, ON, N2A 3Z3

Phone: (519) 748-2313

Dr. Joyce 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: 101083

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=101083

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.