Dr. Marina Polonsky – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Marina Polonsky is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Alta Vista Dental Centre in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Polonsky is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Polonsky 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. Polonsky 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. Polonsky 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. Polonsky utilizes advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), for superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Alta Vista Dental Centre.

Dr. Marina Polonsky earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1999. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Polonsky 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 and General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). Dr. Polonsky is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Polonsky's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; 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. Polonsky provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Implant Planning

• Comprehensive Assessment of Jawbone for Dental Implant Suitability: Detailed pre-operative assessment and diagnostic workup specifically for dental implant surgery, including evaluation of adjacent anatomical structures.

Oral Pathology Detection

• Suspicious Lesions, Sores, Lumps, or Patches in the Mouth or on Lips: Concerns about any unusual changes in the appearance or texture of the mouth lining that need to be accurately diagnosed to rule out infection, inflammatory conditions, precancerous changes, or oral cancer.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• 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. Polonsky. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Restoration of Dental Implants (Custom Crowns, Bridges, Dentures): Attaching custom-fabricated, aesthetically matched crowns, bridges, or dentures securely onto previously placed and integrated dental implants to complete the tooth replacement process and restore full function.

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

At Alta Vista Dental Centre, 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. Polonsky frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Polonsky when they first notice their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, enabling them to once again enjoy enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty without hesitation.
• Dr. Polonsky's comprehensive care for experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth is meticulously designed to result in their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth without dental worries.
• With Dr. Polonsky'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 having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort without dental concerns.
• Dr. Polonsky provides dedicated support for patients going through a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively, always aiming for positive outcomes like the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.

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

Alta Vista Dental Centre, where Dr. Polonsky practices, is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Carlingwood Shopping Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Polonsky is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Polonsky also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex needs arise.

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

Yes, Dr. Polonsky understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Alta Vista Dental Centre offers various sedation options. These may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on your individual needs and the planned procedure. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Polonsky during your consultation so that the most appropriate and safest sedation approach can be determined.

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. 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). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Polonsky 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 between appointments. Following Dr. Polonsky's specific recommendations is essential.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Alta Vista Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Polonsky.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Polonsky 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. Polonsky at Alta Vista Dental Centre?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Polonsky will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Alta Vista Dental Centre
1207 Evans Blvd #200
Ottawa, ON, K1H 7T6

Phone: (613) 733-9731

Dr. Marina Polonsky 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: 37874

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=37874

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