Dr. Leonard Chan – Dentist | Waterdown, ON

Dr. Leonard Chan is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry in Waterdown, ON, Dr. Chan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan 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 Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry.

Dr. Leonard Chan earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1998. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Chan 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. Chan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chan's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Chan provides consultations in English.

Dr. Leonard Chan 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): 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: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.

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

At Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry, 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. Chan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile, Dr. Chan offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.
• When their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Chan helps patients strive for experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). This makes participating in activities such as concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Dr. Chan's comprehensive care for experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite is meticulously designed to result in achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without dental worries.
• If a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing is preventing you from fully enjoying their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health or causing discomfort, Dr. Chan offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry is situated in a central location within the Waterdown neighborhood of Waterdown. 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chan at Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Chan 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. Chan will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chan 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

Yes, Dr. Chan understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Chan during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Chan.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Chan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Chan's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chan 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. Dr. Chan may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Smiles on 5 – Chan Dentistry
246 Dundas St E
Waterdown, ON, L0R 2H4

Phone: (905) 689-8404

Dr. Leonard Chan 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: 13845

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13845

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