Dr. Michael Chow – Dentist | Belleville, ON

Dr. Michael Chow is a Dental Anesthesiologist. Practicing at Belleville Sleep Dentistry in Belleville, ON, Dr. Chow is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chow 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. As a certified specialist in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Chow is dedicated to providing advanced pain and anxiety control for dental procedures. This includes the administration of various levels of sedation (moderate, deep) and general anesthesia in a dental setting, ensuring optimal patient safety, comfort, and monitoring for individuals with significant dental fear or phobia, special healthcare needs, or those undergoing extensive, complex, or traumatic dental treatments. Dr. Chow 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 Belleville Sleep Dentistry.

Dr. Michael Chow earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2000. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Dental Anaesthesiologist at the University of Toronto in 2011. With over 25 years of practice since 2000, Dr. Chow's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their expertise. Dr. Chow is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Chow's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Chow provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Michael Chow addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Complex Surgical Dental Procedures Anesthesia

• Extensive, Complex, or Traumatic Dental/Oral Surgical Procedures Necessitating Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia: Comprehensive anesthesia support provided by specialists for major oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures to ensure a pain-free experience and a well-controlled surgical environment.

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

• Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia for Dental Procedures (Specialist Administered): Ensuring complete unconsciousness and absence of pain for complex or lengthy dental treatments, with continuous physiological monitoring by an anesthesia specialist.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) for Dental Procedures: Providing Monitored Anesthesia Care where an anesthesia specialist continuously monitors the patient, administers sedatives and analgesics as needed, and is prepared to manage any anesthesia-related complications during dental procedures performed by another dentist.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Utilizing Cone Beam CT technology for comprehensive three-dimensional views of your oral and maxillofacial structures when indicated.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Chow is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Belleville Sleep Dentistry, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• If their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care has unfortunately put their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chow works closely with patients towards attaining their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma with Dr. Chow's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem once more.
• When their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped, Dr. Chow and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Managing an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Chow and the dental team. The clear aim is always a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Chow, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Chow is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Belleville Sleep Dentistry, where Dr. Chow practices, is situated in the East Hill, Downtown Belleville neighborhood of Belleville. The clinic is conveniently located near Market Square and is accessible via Belleville Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chow at Belleville Sleep Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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.

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Belleville Sleep Dentistry.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chow 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).

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

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

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Chow 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). It is important to follow Dr. Chow's specific recommendation.

Belleville Sleep Dentistry
222 Bell Blvd Suite #8
Belleville, ON, K8P 5L7

Phone: (613) 962-7773

Dr. Michael Chow is a licensed Dental Anesthesiologist 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: 50334

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=50334

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