Dr. Melvin Mao – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Melvin Mao is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Southwood Dental Studio in London, ON, Dr. Mao is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mao 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. Mao 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. Mao 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. Mao 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 Southwood Dental Studio.

Dr. Melvin Mao earned a Dental Degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, graduating in 2009. With over 4 years of practice since 2021, Dr. Mao 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. Mao is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Mao remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Mao's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Mao provides consultations in English.

Dr. Melvin Mao 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.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.

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

At Southwood 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. Mao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth, Dr. Mao and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth has unfortunately put confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Mao works closely with patients towards attaining a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Dr. Mao understands that dealing with one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies, helping patients comfortably get back to passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children and feeling their best.
• Managing a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Mao and the dental team. The clear aim is always their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Southwood Dental Studio, where Dr. Mao practices, is situated in the Talbot Village West, Riverbend neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Byron Area and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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 your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Southwood Dental Studio.

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

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

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

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Mao can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Mao can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

Yes, Dr. Mao understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Southwood Dental Studio may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Mao during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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. Mao 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. Mao at Southwood Dental Studio?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Mao and the team at Southwood Dental Studio 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. Mao will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended for most patients. Dr. Mao 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. Mao's specific recommendation.

Southwood Dental Studio
3010 Colonel Talbot Rd #3
London, ON, N6P 0B3

Phone: (519) 652-7077

Dr. Melvin Mao 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: 150388

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=150388

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