Dr. Laura Eva Tam – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Laura Eva Tam is a Dentist. Practicing at Yorkville Dental Associates in Toronto, ON, Dr. Tam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tam 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. Tam 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. Tam 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 Yorkville Dental Associates.

Dr. Laura Eva Tam earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1985. With over 39 years of practice since 1986, Dr. Tam's extensive clinical experience has provided a solid foundation for their comprehensive approach to dentistry. Dr. Tam is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Tam's unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Tam's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Tam provides consultations in English.

Dr. Laura Eva Tam 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): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

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

At Yorkville Dental Associates, 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. Tam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Tam often consults with patients whose wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age significantly limits their enjoyment of experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Managing noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Tam and the dental team. The clear aim is always their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• When recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Tam helps patients strive for their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue. This makes participating in activities such as their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Patients experiencing simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Tam's practice, a key objective is achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.

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

Yorkville Dental Associates, where Dr. Tam practices, is situated in the vibrant Annex, North Midtown, Yorkville neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Ontario Place and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Yorkville Dental Associates'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 Yorkville Dental Associates’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 (416) 924-4695. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Tam or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Toronto area.

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). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Yorkville Dental Associates.

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

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tam promptly.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Tam will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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). Follow Dr. Tam's specific recommendation.

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. Tam 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. Tam at Yorkville Dental Associates?

Your first visit 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. Tam will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tam 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

No, a referral is not typically required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Yorkville Dental Associates directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Tam.

Yorkville Dental Associates
1235 Bay St #600
Toronto, ON, M5R 3K4

Phone: (416) 924-4695

Dr. Laura Eva Tam 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: 10591

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10591

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