Dr. Neil Justin Kaplan – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Neil Justin Kaplan is a Dentist. Practicing at Thorncliffe Dental Centre in Toronto, ON, Dr. Kaplan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kaplan 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. Kaplan 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. Kaplan 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 Thorncliffe Dental Centre.

Dr. Neil Justin Kaplan earned a Dental Degree from University Of Stellenbosch, graduating in 1980. With over 39 years of practice since 1986, Dr. Kaplan's extensive clinical experience has provided them with a deep understanding of various dental needs and conditions. Dr. Kaplan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Kaplan'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. Kaplan provides consultations in English.

Dr. Neil Justin Kaplan 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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.
• 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. Kaplan. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• 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. Kaplan. 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. Neil Justin Kaplan adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Thorncliffe Dental Centre, 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. Kaplan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Kaplan's clinic, addressing wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age means focusing on patient goals. Achieving having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• If recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes or causing discomfort, Dr. Kaplan offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant, Dr. Kaplan offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• For those affected by a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them, Dr. Kaplan provides solutions that lead to their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.

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

Dr. Kaplan's practice, Thorncliffe Dental Centre, is situated in the Thorncliffe Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). 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. Kaplan?

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

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Kaplan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits 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. It is important to follow Dr. Kaplan's specific recommendations.

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). We strongly advise patients to verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and to always check the details of their private dental insurance before starting treatment at Thorncliffe Dental Centre.

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. Kaplan 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 are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kaplan promptly.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Kaplan can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Kaplan can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kaplan 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kaplan at Thorncliffe Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Kaplan 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. Kaplan 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.

Thorncliffe Dental Centre
45 Overlea Blvd #201
Toronto, ON, M4H 1C3

Phone: (416) 421-3751

Dr. Neil Justin Kaplan 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: 10608

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10608

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