Dr. Larry Gavin Podolsky – Dentist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Larry Gavin Podolsky is a Dentist. Practicing at Dentistry on Green Lane in Thornhill, ON, Dr. Podolsky is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Podolsky 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. Podolsky 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. Podolsky 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 Dentistry on Green Lane.

Dr. Larry Gavin Podolsky earned a Dental Degree from University Of The Witwatersrand, graduating in 1981. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Podolsky has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Podolsky 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.

Key aspects of Dr. Podolsky's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Podolsky provides consultations in English.

Dr. Larry Gavin Podolsky 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

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• 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. Podolsky. 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. Larry Gavin Podolsky adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Dentistry on Green Lane, 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. Podolsky frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal, Dr. Podolsky outlines a path to their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
• For individuals troubled by their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), Dr. Podolsky's approach is focused on delivering their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues with a healthier smile.
• Dr. Podolsky provides dedicated support for patients going through their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli, always aiming for positive outcomes like transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• The journey from their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening to wellness often involves Dr. Podolsky's dedicated care. The milestone is their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, which opens the door back to activities such as showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Podolsky, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Podolsky 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 Green Lane, Dr. Podolsky's practice, is situated in a central location within the Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. 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. Podolsky?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Podolsky for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Dentistry on Green Lane.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Podolsky at Dentistry on Green Lane?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Podolsky and the team at Dentistry on Green Lane 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. Podolsky 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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is crucial 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 Dentistry on Green Lane.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Podolsky 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 visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Podolsky's specific recommendations.

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. Podolsky 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).

Dentistry on Green Lane
8 Green Lane #7
Thornhill, ON, L3T 7P7

Phone: (905) 882-8722

Dr. Larry Gavin Podolsky 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: 11304

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11304

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