Dr. Ross Long Shan Tam

Dr. Ross Long Shan Tam 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 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.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• 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.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.

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

At PleasantView Family Dental, 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. Tam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention has unfortunately put feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Tam works closely with patients towards attaining their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Are you struggling with wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances? Dr. Tam partners with patients to target the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection a much more achievable reality.
• With Dr. Tam's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite is focused on achieving achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort without dental concerns.
• Dr. Tam often consults with patients whose wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation significantly limits their enjoyment of their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

PleasantView Family Dental, where Dr. Tam practices, 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. Tam for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Tam will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Tam's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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 also used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Tam 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tam 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Tam also provides patient education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Tam 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. Tam at PleasantView Family Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Tam 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. Tam will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if 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. 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 provided by employers). Government assistance programs may also be available for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

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

PleasantView Family Dental
3195 Sheppard Ave E #102
Scarborough, ON, M1T 3K1

Phone: (416) 491-6262

Dr. Ross Long Shan Tam 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: 72964

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=72964

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