Dr. Leonard Terk – Dentist | North York, ON

Dr. Leonard Terk is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Sheppard Centre Dental in North York, ON, Dr. Terk is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Terk 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. Terk 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. Terk 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. Terk 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 Sheppard Centre Dental.

Dr. Leonard Terk earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1978. With over 47 years of practice since 1978, Dr. Terk 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Terk is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Terk's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Terk provides consultations in English.

Dr. Leonard Terk provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
• 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.

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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Terk. 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.

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

At Sheppard Centre Dental, 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. Terk frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Terk develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• With Dr. Terk's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach is focused on achieving an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding without dental concerns.
• Dr. Terk often consults with patients whose feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth significantly limits their enjoyment of no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• A key objective when treating their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli at Dr. Terk's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.

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

Sheppard Centre Dental, where Dr. Terk practices, is situated in a central location within the North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Terk 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).

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Terk at Sheppard Centre Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Terk and the team at Sheppard Centre Dental 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. Terk will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Sheppard Centre Dental
4841 Yonge St #111
North York, ON, M2N 5X2

Phone: (416) 224-8375

Dr. Leonard Terk 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: 8728

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8728

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