Dr. Robert Peter Polese – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Robert Peter Polese is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Polese is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Polese 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. Polese 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. Polese 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. Polese 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 Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy.

Dr. Robert Peter Polese earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1990. With over 35 years of practice since 1990, Dr. Polese 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. Polese is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Polese's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Polese provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

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.

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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.

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

At Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy, 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. Polese frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Polese's professional help and expertise when dealing with their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• If a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Polese develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment is a common journey for patients under Dr. Polese's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures, so that daily routines and pleasures like confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures become straightforward again.
• Understanding the frustration their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort can cause, Dr. Polese tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain.

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

Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy, Dr. Polese's practice, 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Polese will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may require more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. Polese's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or your insurance plan, to have a referral from your general dentist, such as Dr. Polese. A referral ensures the specialist has the relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate for your needs. If Dr. Polese identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide you with a referral to ensure coordinated and efficient care. If you are unsure whether you need a referral, it's best to check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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 by OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Polese offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Polese understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Polese during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Polese is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. General dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed. Dr. Polese may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Polese at Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy?

Your first visit with Dr. Polese 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. Polese will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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

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

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 further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Polese 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).

Polar Dental Centre - Sheppard & Kennedy
4002 Sheppard Ave E #305
Scarborough, ON, M1S 1S6

Phone: (416) 293-4119

Dr. Robert Peter Polese 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: 11649

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11649

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