Dr. Michelle Elizabeth Yau – Dentist | Richmond Hill, ON

Dr. Michelle Elizabeth Yau is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Centric Dental in Richmond Hill, ON, Dr. Yau is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Yau 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. Yau 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. Yau 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. Michelle Elizabeth Yau earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 2018. With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Yau 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 Oral; N/A. Dr. Yau is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Yau's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Yau provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• 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. Yau. 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. Michelle Elizabeth Yau adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Centric Dental, 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. Yau frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal, Dr. Yau outlines a path to a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly at Dr. Yau's practice is consistently achieving their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• Through Dr. Yau's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth often find they can readily achieve their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• Dr. Yau often consults with patients whose their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to significantly limits their enjoyment of feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence. or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Centric Dental, where Dr. Yau practices, is situated in the Observatory, Harding neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The clinic is conveniently located near Seneca College King Campus (nearby) and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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, annual maximums) before treatment at Centric Dental.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Yau 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), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Yau's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Yau at Centric Dental?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: review of your medical and dental history; thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including oral cancer screening); and necessary X-rays. Dr. Yau will discuss findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Yau is the primary dental care provider, offering services such as 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 gum disease management, and cosmetic procedures (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Yau may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options.

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

Dental X-rays are safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Yau will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

Dr. Yau 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.

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

Yes, Dr. Yau understands dental anxiety. Centric Dental offers various sedation options to help you relax. Please discuss your anxiety with Dr. Yau during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Yau for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with Centric Dental.

Centric Dental
1650 Elgin Mills Rd E #118
Richmond Hill, ON, L4S 0B2

Phone: (905) 508-3663

Dr. Michelle Elizabeth Yau 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: 117565

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=117565

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