Dr. Palak Shah – Dentist | Brantford, ON

Dr. Palak Shah is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Brant Smiles in Brantford, ON, Dr. Shah is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shah 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. Shah 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. Shah 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. Shah 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 Brant Smiles.

Dr. Palak Shah earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2012. With over 13 years of practice since 2012, Dr. Shah 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: N/A. Dr. Shah is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Shah remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, always striving to provide patients with the best possible care and experience.

Key aspects of Dr. Shah's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; 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. Shah provides consultations in English.

Dr. Palak Shah 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

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At Brant Smiles, 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. Shah frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Shah about waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding is to attain feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• The journey from looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults to wellness often involves Dr. Shah's dedicated care. The milestone is their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, which opens the door back to activities such as confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• Dr. Shah often consults with patients whose concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history significantly limits their enjoyment of no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Shah with concerns about a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, making a positive and lasting return to their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Brant Smiles, where Dr. Shah practices, is situated in the Holmedale, North Ward neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Laurier Brantford University Campus and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shah at Brant Smiles?

Your first visit with Dr. Shah 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. Shah 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.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Brant Smiles directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Shah.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Shah 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Shah's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 always used. 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. Shah 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. 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

Brant Smiles
415 Fairview Dr Unit A
Brantford, ON, N3R 7M3

Phone: (519) 759-0011

Dr. Palak Shah 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: 92317

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92317

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