Dr. Ray Li Guan – Dentist | Bowmanville, ON

Dr. Ray Li Guan is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Ohana Dental Clinic in Bowmanville, ON, Dr. Guan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Guan 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. Guan 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. Guan 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. Guan 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 Ohana Dental Clinic.

Dr. Ray Li Guan earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2001. With over 24 years of practice since 2001, Dr. Guan 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Guan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Guan's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Guan provides consultations in English.

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

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• 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.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.

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

At Ohana Dental Clinic, 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. Guan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Guan provides dedicated support for patients going through a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially, always aiming for positive outcomes like their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• Dr. Guan's comprehensive care for a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems is meticulously designed to result in receiving a definitive diagnosis for an unusual growth or spot in their mouth, leading to appropriate action. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection without dental worries.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional at Dr. Guan's practice is consistently achieving their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• Patients experiencing their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Guan's practice, a key objective is their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.

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

Ohana Dental Clinic, where Dr. Guan practices, is situated in a central location within the Bowmanville neighborhood of Bowmanville. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Guan 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, through private dental insurance plans, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families). Always verify your coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

For most patients, every 6 months is generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Guan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some may need more frequent visits, while others might have slightly longer intervals between appointments.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Guan for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Ohana Dental Clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Guan provides primary dental care, 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 may offer cosmetic procedures. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Guan may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Guan at Ohana Dental Clinic?

At your first visit, expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Guan will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.

Ohana Dental Clinic
173 King St E
Bowmanville, ON, L1C 1N9

Phone: (905) 697-3440

Dr. Ray Li Guan 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: 53114

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=53114

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