Dr. Saral Rai – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Saral Rai is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Island Park Dental in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Rai is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Rai 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. Rai 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. Rai 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. Rai 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 Island Park Dental.

Dr. Saral Rai earned a Dental Degree from Guru Nanak Dev University, graduating in 1999. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Rai 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. Rai is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Rai's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Rai provides consultations in English.

Dr. Saral Rai 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: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• 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.

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.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

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

At Island Park 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. Rai frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Rai when they first notice ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, enabling them to once again enjoy enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath without hesitation.
• Understanding the frustration needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury can cause, Dr. Rai tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, allowing for renewed participation in activities like being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.
• Managing their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Rai and the dental team. The clear aim is always 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), which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Rai about their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities is to attain successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.

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

Dr. Rai's practice, Island Park Dental, is situated in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near National War Memorial and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, 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. Rai 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).

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Rai 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). It's important to follow Dr. Rai's specific recommendation.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Rai at Island Park Dental?

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

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, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Island Park Dental directly.

Island Park Dental
1399 Wellington St W
Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2X1

Phone: (613) 722-2265

Dr. Saral Rai 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: 76796

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=76796

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