Dr. Paul Sze-Ming Tan – Dentist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Paul Sze-Ming Tan is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Grand River Dental Care in Kitchener, ON, Dr. Tan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tan 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. Tan 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. Tan 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. Tan 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 Grand River Dental Care.

Dr. Paul Sze-Ming Tan earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1994. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Tan 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. Tan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Tan'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; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Tan provides consultations in English.

Dr. Paul Sze-Ming Tan 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): 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Administering a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask for mild anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and relaxation during dental procedures; suitable for both adults and children with mild to moderate dental apprehension.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.

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

At Grand River Dental Care, 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. Tan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Tan helps patients strive for a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. This makes participating in activities such as their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post a pleasant and possible experience again.
• For individuals troubled by concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history, Dr. Tan's approach is focused on delivering a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments with a healthier smile.
• Understanding the frustration a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food can cause, Dr. Tan tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized, allowing for renewed participation in activities like smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• Through Dr. Tan's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection often find they can readily achieve their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.

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

Grand River Dental Care, where Dr. Tan practices, is situated in the Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Kitchener edge and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Grand River Dental Care directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Tan.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Tan at Grand River Dental Care?

Your first visit with Dr. Tan 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. Tan 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.

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). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Grand River Dental Care.

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. Tan 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. Dr. Tan 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). Follow Dr. Tan's specific recommendation.

Grand River Dental Care
765 King St W
Kitchener, ON, N2G 1E3

Phone: (519) 896-2669

Dr. Paul Sze-Ming Tan 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: 12772

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12772

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