Dr. Michael James Lin – Dentist | Unionville, ON

Dr. Michael James Lin is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at Markham Dentistry for Children in Unionville, ON, Dr. Lin is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lin 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 Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lin provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. Dr. Lin 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 Markham Dentistry for Children.

Dr. Michael James Lin earned a Dental Degree from Columbia University, graduating in 2003. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Paediatric Dentist at the Columbia University in 2005. With over 20 years of practice since 2005, Dr. Lin's expertise has grown significantly. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Minimal Nitrous. Dr. Lin is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Lin remains at the forefront of pediatric dentistry, consistently applying the latest advancements and techniques to benefit their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Lin's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Lin provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Michael James Lin addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Dental Development Issues

• Anomalies or Delays in Tooth Development or Eruption Sequence: Diagnosing and managing developmental dental problems to ensure a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing adult dentition, sometimes involving a multidisciplinary approach.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Dental situations where standard 2D X-rays (bitewings, panoramic) are insufficient and a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is required for accurate diagnosis, assessment of anatomical complexities, or detailed planning of complex treatments like implants, orthodontics, or endodontics.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.

Childhood Dental Conditions

• Comprehensive Dental Needs of Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Seeking a pediatric dental specialist for comprehensive preventative (cleanings, fluoride, sealants), restorative (fillings, crowns for primary teeth), and emergency dental care for young patients.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Tailored dental services to meet the unique needs of growing smiles, from first tooth to teenage years.
• Dental Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Experienced in addressing the specific oral health challenges and behavioral considerations of children with special needs.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Management of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) & Cavities in Children: Comprehensive strategies for preventing and treating cavities in young children, including dietary counseling, hygiene instruction, fluoride application, sealants, and restorative fillings (e.g., composite, stainless steel crowns).
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lin is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Markham Dentistry for Children, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• If wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is preventing you from fully enjoying their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health or causing discomfort, Dr. Lin offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Patients experiencing an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Lin's practice, a key objective is feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them, involves working systematically towards successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. Dr. Lin expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• If a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about has unfortunately put sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Lin works closely with patients towards attaining the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Markham Dentistry for Children, where Dr. Lin practices, is situated in a central location within the Unionville neighborhood of Unionville, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Markham Dentistry for Children directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lin.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Lin help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Lin can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lin 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) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between visits. It is important to follow Dr. Lin's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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 minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Lin 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).

How does Dr. Lin as a Pediatric Dentist manage children with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs?

Dr. Lin utilizes specialized training in behavior guidance techniques, such as tell-show-do and positive reinforcement, to create a comfortable and reassuring environment for children. A child-friendly approach, distraction techniques, and a gentle demeanor are employed to manage anxiety. For patients with special healthcare needs, Dr. Lin tailors the treatment plan to accommodate their individual requirements. In certain cases, options like nitrous oxide sedation may be considered, or a referral to a specialist for deeper sedation or general anesthesia may be made if deemed necessary and appropriate.

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 under OHIP. 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). It is essential 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.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Lin identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. It is always advisable to check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider if you are unsure.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lin at Markham Dentistry for Children?

Your first visit with Dr. Lin will typically 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. Lin will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

Markham Dentistry for Children
4261 Highway #7 Unit A-3
Unionville, ON, L3R 9W6

Phone: (905) 513-7722

Dr. Michael James Lin is a licensed Pediatric 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: 64980

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=64980

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