Dr. Melanie Little – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Melanie Little is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Roncy Dental Studio in Toronto, ON, Dr. Little is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Little 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. Little 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. Little 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. Melanie Little earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2004. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Little 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. Little 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. Little'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; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Little 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 Roncy Dental Studio. Dr. Little provides consultations in English.

Dr. Melanie Little 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• 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: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Cosmetic gum procedures, sometimes using dental lasers or traditional surgical techniques, to precisely reshape an uneven or excessive gum line (gummy smile) or to correct minor gum recession for improved smile aesthetics and tooth proportions.

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

At Roncy Dental Studio, 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. Little frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Little helps patients strive for the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. This makes participating in activities such as their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance a pleasant and possible experience again.
• If their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening is preventing you from fully enjoying enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile or causing discomfort, Dr. Little offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Through Dr. Little's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect often find they can readily achieve feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal at Dr. Little's practice is consistently achieving the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.

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

Roncy Dental Studio, where Dr. Little practices, is situated in the Parkdale, Roncesvalles neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 for programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). Always verify potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Roncy Dental Studio.

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

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

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Be aware of gums that bleed easily during oral hygiene, appear red or puffy, or feel sore, as these are common indicators of gingivitis. Persistent bad taste or bad breath can also be a sign. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may involve gums pulling away from teeth, noticeable tooth mobility, or discomfort when chewing. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Little are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Little 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Little may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Little will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Little's specific recommendation.

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

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Little at Roncy Dental Studio?

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. Little 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.

Roncy Dental Studio
69-71 Roncesvalles Avenue
Toronto, ON, M6R 2K6

Phone: (647) 805-9623

Dr. Melanie Little 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: 62185

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=62185

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