Dr. Sarah M. Tavares – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Sarah M. Tavares is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Bentway Dental in Toronto, ON, Dr. Tavares is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tavares 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. Tavares 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. Tavares 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. Sarah M. Tavares earned a Dental Degree from New York University, graduating in 2021. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Tavares 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Tavares is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Tavares 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 Bentway Dental.

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

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

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.

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): 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.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Improving the aesthetics of front teeth with skillfully applied and polished resin material, often requiring minimal or no tooth preparation.

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

At Bentway Dental, 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. Tavares frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Tavares's professional help and expertise when dealing with a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• Patients experiencing concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Tavares's practice, a key objective is feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• Dr. Tavares often consults with patients whose feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time significantly limits their enjoyment of feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• If having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard has unfortunately put biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Tavares works closely with patients towards attaining their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Bentway Dental, where Dr. Tavares practices, is situated in the CN Tower, King and Spadina, Railway Lands, Harbourfront West neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Tavares 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 might 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 crucial to follow Dr. Tavares's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tavares 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 treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (such as whitening or bonding, if offered). Dr. Tavares also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs. They 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. Tavares?

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

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Tavares 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 provided by 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 Bentway Dental.

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

Yes, Dr. Tavares understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Bentway Dental offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Tavares during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Tavares at Bentway Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Tavares 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. Tavares will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Bentway Dental
75 Housey St #102
Toronto, ON, M5V 3Y2

Dr. Sarah M. Tavares 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: 501726

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501726

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