Dr. Sanford Mark Bell – Dentist | Oshawa, ON

Dr. Sanford Mark Bell is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Oshawa Centre Dental Office in Oshawa, ON, Dr. Bell is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Bell 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. Bell 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. Bell 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. Bell 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 Oshawa Centre Dental Office.

Dr. Sanford Mark Bell earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2007. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Bell 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. Bell is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Bell's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Bell provides consultations in English.

Dr. Sanford Mark Bell 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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• 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.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

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 Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• 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.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.

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

At Oshawa Centre Dental Office, 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. Bell frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Bell provides dedicated support for patients going through 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, always aiming for positive outcomes like their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist), so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• Many people seek Dr. Bell's professional help and expertise when dealing with needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues.
• Effectively addressing wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant with Dr. Bell's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly and social interactions.
• When a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Bell helps patients strive for their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment. This makes participating in activities such as feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Oshawa Centre Dental Office, where Dr. Bell practices, is situated in the Central Oshawa, O'Neill neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Parkwood Estate National Historic Site and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Bell 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 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, social assistance recipients). It is important 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bell at Oshawa Centre Dental Office?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Bell and the team at Oshawa Centre Dental Office will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Bell will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Bell can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Bell can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Oshawa Centre Dental Office directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Bell.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. Dr. Bell will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Following Dr. Bell's specific recommendation is important.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bell is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Yes, Dr. Bell understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Oshawa Centre Dental Office offers various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Bell during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Oshawa Centre Dental Office
419 King St W #1000
Oshawa, ON, L1J 2K5

Phone: (905) 571-2443

Dr. Sanford Mark Bell 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: 73057

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=73057

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