Dr. Laura Susan McNeil Baker – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Laura Susan McNeil Baker is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Dufferin Mall Dental Associates in Toronto, ON, Dr. Baker is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Baker 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. Baker 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. Baker 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. Laura Susan McNeil Baker earned a Dental Degree from National University Of Ireland, graduating in 2019. With over 6 years of practice since 2019, Dr. Baker 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. Baker is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Baker 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 Dufferin Mall Dental Associates.

Key aspects of Dr. Baker's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Baker provides consultations in English.

Dr. Laura Susan McNeil Baker 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): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.

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

At Dufferin Mall 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. Baker frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing under Dr. Baker's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Dr. Baker's comprehensive care for a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture is meticulously designed to result in achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth without dental worries.
• Through Dr. Baker's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional often find they can readily achieve experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence..
• For individuals troubled by wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation, Dr. Baker's approach is focused on delivering their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped with a healthier smile.

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

Dufferin Mall Dental Associates, where Dr. Baker practices, is situated in the Dufferin, Dovercourt Village neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Spadina House and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). 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. 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. Baker 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. Baker at Dufferin Mall Dental Associates?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Baker and the team at Dufferin Mall Dental Associates 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. Baker 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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Baker for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Dufferin Mall Dental Associates.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Baker is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 gum disease management, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding, if offered). They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Baker may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Baker will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits for active gum disease or high caries risk). Follow Dr. Baker's specific recommendation.

Dufferin Mall Dental Associates
900 Dufferin St #615
Toronto, ON, M6H 4B1

Phone: (416) 538-1776

Dr. Laura Susan McNeil Baker 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: 121207

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=121207

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