Dr. Neelema Bhan – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Neelema Bhan is a Dentist. Practicing at Nepean Family Dental in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Bhan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Bhan 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. Bhan 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. Bhan 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 Nepean Family Dental.

Dr. Neelema Bhan earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 1998. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Bhan has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Bhan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Bhan remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, benefiting their patients with the most effective and comfortable treatment options.

Key aspects of Dr. Bhan's dental practice philosophy include a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Bhan provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic 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.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• 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. Bhan. 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. Neelema Bhan adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Nepean Family 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. Bhan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces, Dr. Bhan offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• Through Dr. Bhan's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods often find they can readily achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• For individuals troubled by feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning, Dr. Bhan's approach is focused on delivering their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain with a healthier smile.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Bhan about needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect is to attain their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.

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

Nepean Family Dental, where Dr. Bhan practices, is situated in the Fisher Heights, City View, Skyline neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Lansdowne Park (TD Place Stadium/Arena) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bhan is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include some cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Bhan also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex dental needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bhan at Nepean Family Dental?

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

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Bhan offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Bhan focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Nepean Family Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Bhan.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Bhan 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).

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). 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.

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

Generally, we recommend every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Bhan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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. Bhan's specific recommendation.

Nepean Family Dental
460 West Hunt Club Rd #104
Ottawa, ON, K2E 1B2

Phone: (613) 224-6332

Dr. Neelema Bhan 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: 53949

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=53949

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