Dr. Linda Chau – Dentist | Willowdale, ON

Dr. Linda Chau is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at 20 Finch Dental in Willowdale, ON, Dr. Chau is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chau 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. Chau 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. Chau 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. Chau 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 20 Finch Dental.

Dr. Linda Chau earned a Dental Degree from University Of Sydney, graduating in 2015. With over 10 years of practice since 2015, Dr. Chau 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. Chau is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chau'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. Chau provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• 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: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

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

• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Minor surgical or laser-assisted gum reshaping to create a more balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious smile by optimizing the gingival architecture.
• 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.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): A personalized and artistic approach to completely redesigning your smile using a carefully selected sequence of cosmetic dental techniques, tailored to your facial features and aesthetic goals.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.

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

At 20 Finch 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. Chau frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Chau's clinic, addressing a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite means focusing on patient goals. Achieving experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• Dr. Chau expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, means they can happily and comfortably get back to feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.
• Effectively addressing their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort with Dr. Chau's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain and social interactions.
• Dr. Chau 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 feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

20 Finch Dental, where Dr. Chau practices, enjoys a central location within the Willowdale neighborhood of Willowdale. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chau at 20 Finch Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Chau and the team at 20 Finch 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. Chau 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 provided by 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 public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at 20 Finch Dental.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Chau for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with 20 Finch Dental.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chau 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Chau'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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chau will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

20 Finch Dental
20 Finch Ave W
Willowdale, ON, M2N 6L1

Phone: (416) 225-5544

Dr. Linda Chau 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: 104276

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=104276

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