Dr. Mindy Bernice Gelfand

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

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

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: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).

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

At Bolton Park Dentistry, 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. Gelfand frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures, Dr. Gelfand and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults is preventing you from fully enjoying playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort or causing discomfort, Dr. Gelfand offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• When patients discuss an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing, Dr. Gelfand outlines a path to feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• Effectively addressing their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach with Dr. Gelfand's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing and social interactions.

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

Bolton Park Dentistry, where Dr. Gelfand practices, is situated in a central location within the Bolton neighborhood of Bolton. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Bolton Park Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Gelfand.

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

Yes, Dr. Gelfand understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Bolton Park Dentistry may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Gelfand 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 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 like Dr. Gelfand. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Gelfand identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Gelfand 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. Gelfand's specific recommendation.

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

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

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. Gelfand 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. Gelfand at Bolton Park Dentistry?

Your first visit 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. Gelfand will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Bolton Park Dentistry
14 Parr Blvd #5
Bolton, ON, L7E 4H1

Phone: (905) 533-3550

Dr. Mindy Bernice Gelfand 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: 13620

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13620

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