Dr. Salma Mangalathayil Abdu – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Salma Mangalathayil Abdu is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Old South Dentistry in London, ON, Dr. Abdu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Abdu 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. Abdu 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. Abdu 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. Abdu 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 Old South Dentistry.

Dr. Salma Mangalathayil Abdu earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2005. With over 19 years of practice since 2006, Dr. Abdu 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. Abdu 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. Abdu's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Abdu provides consultations in English.

Dr. Salma Mangalathayil Abdu 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 Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.

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.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Administering a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask for mild anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and relaxation during dental procedures; suitable for both adults and children with mild to moderate dental apprehension.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.

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

At Old South 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. Abdu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath with Dr. Abdu's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day and social interactions.
• When patients discuss wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth, Dr. Abdu outlines a path to their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• When a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Abdu helps patients strive for their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This makes participating in activities such as enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Through Dr. Abdu's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling often find they can readily achieve finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.

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

Old South Dentistry, where Dr. Abdu practices, is situated in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Springbank Park and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Abdu 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 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's essential to follow Dr. Abdu's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Abdu at Old South Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Abdu 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. Abdu 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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Abdu 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 by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's important to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

Old South Dentistry
140 Wortley Rd
London, ON, N6C 3P5

Phone: (519) 434-5599

Dr. Salma Mangalathayil Abdu 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: 69185

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=69185

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