Dr. Sarah Kathleen Merkley – Dentist | Kanata, ON

Dr. Sarah Kathleen Merkley is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Hazeldean Dental Group in Kanata, ON, Dr. Merkley is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Merkley 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. Merkley 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. Merkley 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. Merkley 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 Hazeldean Dental Group.

Dr. Sarah Kathleen Merkley earned a Dental Degree from James Cook University, graduating in 2019. With over 5 years of practice since 2020, Dr. Merkley 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. Merkley is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Merkley's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Merkley provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

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.

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

• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.

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

At Hazeldean Dental Group, 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. Merkley frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Merkley's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma is focused on achieving having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance without dental concerns.
• When patients discuss their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing, Dr. Merkley outlines a path to being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• If noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer is preventing you from fully enjoying no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking or causing discomfort, Dr. Merkley offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Are you struggling with their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli? Dr. Merkley partners with patients to target the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Merkley's practice, Hazeldean Dental Group, is situated in a central location within the Kanata neighborhood of Kanata. 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Merkley at Hazeldean Dental Group?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Merkley and the team at Hazeldean Dental Group 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. Merkley will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 further minimize exposure. 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. Merkley 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. Merkley typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Merkley 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 if offered). Dr. Merkley also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Merkley may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Hazeldean Dental Group directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Merkley.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Merkley will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It is important to follow Dr. Merkley'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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Hazeldean Dental Group.

Hazeldean Dental Group
300 Eagleson Rd #21
Kanata, ON, K2M 1C9

Phone: (613) 592-2900

Dr. Sarah Kathleen Merkley 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: 123536

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=123536

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