Dr. Livingston Chen – Dentist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Livingston Chen is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Promenade Dental Office in Thornhill, ON, Dr. Chen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chen 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. Chen 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. Chen 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. Chen 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 Promenade Dental Office.

Dr. Livingston Chen earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 1988. With over 37 years of practice since 1988, Dr. Chen 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. Chen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chen's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Chen provides consultations in English.

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

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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• 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.

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

• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Offering safe and effective in-office (chairside) or custom-fitted take-home teeth whitening (bleaching) treatments to significantly brighten your smile and remove extrinsic and some intrinsic stains.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• 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. Chen. 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. Livingston Chen adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Promenade Dental Office, 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. Chen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chen's comprehensive care for a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about is meticulously designed to result in feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort without dental worries.
• For individuals troubled by a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own, Dr. Chen's approach is focused on delivering feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities with a healthier smile.
• Understanding the frustration their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation can cause, Dr. Chen tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• If a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain has unfortunately put replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chen works closely with patients towards attaining their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Promenade Dental Office, where Dr. Chen practices, is situated in a central location within the Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. 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.

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. Chen 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). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Promenade Dental Office directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Chen.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chen at Promenade Dental Office?

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. Chen will discuss findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Chen will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Chen's specific recommendation.

Promenade Dental Office
301H-1 Promenade Cir
Thornhill, ON, L4J 4P8

Phone: (905) 881-7047

Dr. Livingston Chen 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: 11241

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11241

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