Dr. Karen Ka-Wai Ho – Dentist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Karen Ka-Wai Ho is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Dentistry on Parkdale in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Ho is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ho 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. Ho 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. Ho 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. Karen Ka-Wai Ho earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2002. With over 22 years of practice since 2003, Dr. Ho 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. Ho is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective dental treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Ho's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Ho provides consultations in English.

Dr. Karen Ka-Wai Ho provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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 Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Administering a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask for mild anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and relaxation during dental procedures; suitable for both adults and children with mild to moderate dental apprehension.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Dentistry on Parkdale, 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. Ho frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure at Dr. Ho's practice is consistently achieving gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
• Dr. Ho provides dedicated support for patients going through an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention, always aiming for positive outcomes like a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• Patients experiencing a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Ho's practice, a key objective is experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), which directly supports their ability to fully engage in no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• At Dr. Ho's clinic, addressing their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation means focusing on patient goals. Achieving receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.

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

Dentistry on Parkdale, where Dr. Ho practices, is situated in the Hamilton East End (Normanhurst, McQuesten) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Eastgate Square and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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 to further minimize 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. Ho 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).

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). It is advisable to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Dentistry on Parkdale.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients can contact Dentistry on Parkdale directly to arrange a visit with Dr. Ho.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing, gums that appear red or puffy, or gums that feel sore. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can also be a sign. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may involve gums pulling away from teeth, noticeable tooth mobility, or discomfort when chewing. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Ho are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

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

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

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

For most patients, a check-up and cleaning every 6 months is generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Ho will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may be able to have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is important to follow Dr. Ho's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ho at Dentistry on Parkdale?

At your first appointment, Dr. Ho and the team will get to know you and your oral health history. You will fill out a medical history form and discuss any dental concerns or goals. A detailed examination of your mouth will follow, and digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Ho will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask questions.

Dentistry on Parkdale
21 Parkdale Ave S
Hamilton, ON, L8H 1B1

Phone: (905) 547-4940

Dr. Karen Ka-Wai Ho 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: 59084

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=59084

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