Dr. Paul Hu

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

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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Orthodontic Assessment Needs

• Bite Problems (Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite, Deep Bite): Seeking comprehensive assessment and correction of various types of malocclusion (improper bite) by an orthodontic specialist or appropriately trained general dentist.
• Concerns about Crooked, Crowded, Gapped, or Protruding Teeth: Wanting to explore solutions like braces or clear aligners for straightening teeth and improving overall smile aesthetics and dental health.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Advanced 3D dental imaging for precise diagnostics in implant placement, orthodontics, endodontics, or oral surgery cases.

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

At Birchwood 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. Hu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Hu with concerns about needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, making a positive and lasting return to speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Dr. Hu understands that dealing with feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation, helping patients comfortably get back to laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth and feeling their best.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing with Dr. Hu's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues once more.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Hu when they first notice looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, enabling them to once again enjoy confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities without hesitation.

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

Birchwood Dental Centre, where Dr. Hu practices, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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.

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

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

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, through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Birchwood Dental Centre.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Hu 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 may have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Hu's specific recommendation is essential.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Hu will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

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

Birchwood Dental Centre
2950 Birchmount Rd #7
Scarborough, ON, M1W 3G5

Phone: (416) 492-7200

Dr. Paul Hu 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: 11090

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11090

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