Dr. Nicole Yinyi Shen – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Nicole Yinyi Shen is a Dentist. Practicing at University of Toronto, Fac of Dent in Toronto, ON, Dr. Shen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shen 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. Shen 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. Shen 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 University of Toronto, Fac of Dent.

Dr. Nicole Yinyi Shen earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 2021. With approximately one year of practice since 2024, Dr. Shen's clinical experience continues to grow. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Shen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment and care.

Key aspects of Dr. Shen's dental practice philosophy include a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Shen provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• 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.

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

At University of Toronto, Fac of Dent, 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. Shen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider at Dr. Shen's practice is consistently achieving their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.
• If a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma is preventing you from fully enjoying kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort or causing discomfort, Dr. Shen offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Dr. Shen's comprehensive care for a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own is meticulously designed to result in a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity without dental worries.
• Understanding the frustration their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence can cause, Dr. Shen tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, allowing for renewed participation in activities like speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.

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

Dr. Shen's practice, University of Toronto, Fac of Dent, is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the CN Tower and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Dr. Shen 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.

Does University of Toronto, Fac of Dent offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shen at University of Toronto, Fac of Dent?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Shen and the team at University of Toronto, Fac of Dent 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. Shen will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact University of Toronto, Fac of Dent directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Shen.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Shen 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.

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Shen will recommend a personalized schedule based on 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). Follow Dr. Shen's specific recommendation.

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 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). Verify any potential public coverage and check private dental insurance details before treatment.

University of Toronto, Fac of Dent
124 Edward St
Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6

Phone: (416) 979-4900

Dr. Nicole Yinyi Shen 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: 501585

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501585

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