Dr. Rahaf Althagafy – Dentist | Westmount, QC

Dr. Rahaf Althagafy is a Dentiste. Practicing at Montreal Children's Hospital in Westmount, QC, Dr Althagafy is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Althagafy is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr Althagafy 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 Althagafy 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 Montreal Children's Hospital.

Dr. Rahaf Althagafy earned a Dental Degree. Dr Althagafy brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Althagafy is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Althagafy remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available. Their professional development is a testament to their dedication to providing exceptional care.

Key aspects of Dr Althagafy's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr Althagafy prioritizes creating a comfortable and relaxed environment for all patients. Dr Althagafy provides consultations in English.

Dr. Rahaf Althagafy 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): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• 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: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Althagafy. 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. Rahaf Althagafy adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At Montreal Children's Hospital, 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 Althagafy frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits at Dr Althagafy's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• Are you struggling with a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them? Dr Althagafy partners with patients to target an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile a much more achievable reality.
• Patients presenting with their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option under Dr Althagafy's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple with Dr Althagafy's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums once more.

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

Dr Althagafy's practice, Montreal Children's Hospital, is situated in a central location within the Westmount neighborhood of Westmount, QC. 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.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, provincial health plans like the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) 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 by RAMQ. 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, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Montreal Children's Hospital.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Althagafy at Montreal Children's Hospital?

Your first visit with Dr Althagafy 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 Althagafy 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 Althagafy?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Montreal Children's Hospital directly to arrange their visit with Dr Althagafy.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr Althagafy 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 Althagafy for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Althagafy will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any 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). It is important to follow Dr Althagafy's specific recommendations.

Montreal Children's Hospital
1040 Atwater Ave
Westmount, QC, H3Z 1X3

Phone: (514) 412-4479

Dr. Rahaf Althagafy is a licensed Dentiste in QC, regulated by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) under the Code des professions & Loi sur les dentistes (Québec).

License Number: 24223

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

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