Dr. Rifaan Lalji – Dentist | Waterloo, ON

Dr. Rifaan Lalji is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Trillium Dental Centre in Waterloo, ON, Dr. Lalji is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lalji 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. Lalji 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. Lalji 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. Lalji 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 Trillium Dental Centre.

Dr. Rifaan Lalji earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2018. With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Lalji 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. Lalji is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Lalji's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Lalji provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Cosmetic gum procedures, sometimes using dental lasers or traditional surgical techniques, to precisely reshape an uneven or excessive gum line (gummy smile) or to correct minor gum recession for improved smile aesthetics and tooth proportions.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.

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

At Trillium 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. Lalji frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food is a primary concern, Dr. Lalji focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• When patients discuss simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning, Dr. Lalji outlines a path to their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet.
• Managing an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Lalji and the dental team. The clear aim is always their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Understanding the frustration their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli can cause, Dr. Lalji tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, allowing for renewed participation in activities like no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.

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

Trillium Dental Centre, where Dr. Lalji practices, is situated in the University District (University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Waterloo Public Square and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Lalji 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. Lalji 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 starting treatment at Trillium Dental Centre.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Trillium Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lalji.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lalji will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Lalji's specific recommendations.

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. Lalji 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).

Trillium Dental Centre
550 King St N Conestoga Mall
Waterloo, ON, N2L 5W6

Phone: (519) 746-4000

Dr. Rifaan Lalji 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: 117014

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=117014

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