Dr. Sarah Nicole Alves

Dr. Sarah Nicole Alves 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

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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 Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.

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

At N/A, 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. Alves frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them with Dr. Alves's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance and social interactions.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care with Dr. Alves's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post once more.
• For patients where 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 is a primary concern, Dr. Alves focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• Dr. Alves often consults with patients whose concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history significantly limits their enjoyment of their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Alves's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Dufferin, Dovercourt Village neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Alves 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Alves at N/A?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Alves and the team at N/A 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. Alves will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Yes, Dr. Alves understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, N/A may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Alves during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Alves.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Alves 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). Dr. Alves also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Alves 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 if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Following Dr. Alves's specific recommendation is important.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

N/A
900 Dufferin St #1
Toronto, ON, M6H 4A9

Phone: (416) 536-0720

Dr. Sarah Nicole Alves 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: 117051

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=117051

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