Dr. Saira Karim – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Saira Karim is a Dentist. Practicing at Markham Gateway Dentistry in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Karim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Karim 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. Karim 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. Karim 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 Markham Gateway Dentistry.

Dr. Saira Karim earned a Dental Degree from University Of Karachi/Baqai Dental College, graduating in 2005. With over 10 years of practice since 2015, Dr. Karim has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Karim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Karim's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Karim provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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): 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• 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.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• 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. Karim. 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. Saira Karim adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Markham Gateway Dentistry, 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. Karim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection with Dr. Karim's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought once more.
• When an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Karim helps patients strive for the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry. This makes participating in activities such as maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Overcoming or effectively managing recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit is a common journey for patients under Dr. Karim's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, so that daily routines and pleasures like feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism become straightforward again.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Karim when they first notice a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, enabling them to once again enjoy their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends without hesitation.

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

Markham Gateway Dentistry, where Dr. Karim 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Karim at Markham Gateway Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Karim 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. Karim 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.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Karim 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).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Karim for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Markham Gateway Dentistry.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Karim will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Karim's specific recommendation.

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). Always check your private dental insurance details and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Karim 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Markham Gateway Dentistry
2855 Markham Rd #108
Scarborough, ON, M1X 0C3

Phone: (416) 321-0005

Dr. Saira Karim 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: 104363

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=104363

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