Dr. Melika Pahlevan Sabbagh

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.

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

At Sunnybrook Health Sciences 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. Sabbagh frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening with Dr. Sabbagh's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile and social interactions.
• Managing an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Sabbagh and the dental team. The clear aim is always their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Are you struggling with an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear? Dr. Sabbagh partners with patients to target their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health a much more achievable reality.
• If needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Sabbagh develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.

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

Dr. Sabbagh's practice, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, is situated in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Sabbagh 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), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Sabbagh also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details before treatment at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Sabbagh will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and risk factors, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Sabbagh for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Sabbagh will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients might need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Sabbagh's specific recommendations.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density, and are in good overall health. Dr. Sabbagh can perform a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Sabbagh can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist if appropriate.

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

Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed easily, appear red or puffy, or feel sore. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can also be signs. More advanced gum disease may involve gums pulling away from teeth, loose teeth, or discomfort when chewing. Regular check-ups with Dr. Sabbagh are crucial for early detection.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Sabbagh at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?

Your first visit will include a comprehensive examination: 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. Sabbagh will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning may also be performed or scheduled.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave H#126 Dentistry Department
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-4436

Dr. Melika Pahlevan Sabbagh 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: 505375

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=505375

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