Dr. Sandhya Ahuja – Dentist | Waterloo, ON

Dr. Sandhya Ahuja is a Dentist. Practicing at Laurelwood Family Dentistry in Waterloo, ON, Dr. Ahuja is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ahuja 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. Ahuja 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. Ahuja 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 Laurelwood Family Dentistry.

Dr. Sandhya Ahuja earned a Dental Degree from Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences, graduating in 2010. With over 8 years of practice since 2017, Dr. Ahuja has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Ahuja is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Ahuja remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, ultimately benefiting their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Ahuja's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Ahuja provides consultations in English.

Dr. Sandhya Ahuja 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.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.

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

At Laurelwood Family 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. Ahuja frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them can cause, Dr. Ahuja tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns, involves working systematically towards their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease. Dr. Ahuja expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
• Patients experiencing a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Ahuja's practice, a key objective is an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped.
• Dr. Ahuja provides dedicated support for patients going through a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain, always aiming for positive outcomes like gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.

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

Laurelwood Family Dentistry, where Dr. Ahuja practices, is situated in the Waterloo West (Columbia Forest, Clair Hills) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Laurelwood Family Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Ahuja.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Ahuja 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 more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or if they are at high risk for cavities. Others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between visits. It is crucial to follow Dr. Ahuja's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered by OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Examples of such programs include Healthy Smiles Ontario. It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before starting treatment at Laurelwood Family Dentistry.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ahuja is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including 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 offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). General dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ahuja at Laurelwood Family Dentistry?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes reviewing 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. Ahuja will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Ahuja 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).

Laurelwood Family Dentistry
450 Columbia St W #10
Waterloo, ON, N2T 2W1

Phone: (519) 746-6447

Dr. Sandhya Ahuja 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: 113553

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=113553

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