Dr. Shamal Nachiket Kulkarni – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Shamal Nachiket Kulkarni is a Dentist. Practicing at Dawson Dental East York in Toronto, ON, Dr. Kulkarni is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kulkarni 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. Kulkarni 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. Kulkarni 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 Dawson Dental East York.

Dr. Shamal Nachiket Kulkarni earned a Dental Degree from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, graduating in 2010. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Kulkarni brings valuable clinical experience to their practice. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Kulkarni is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most effective and current treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Kulkarni's dental practice philosophy include: 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; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Kulkarni provides consultations in English.

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

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.

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.

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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

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

At Dawson Dental East York, 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. Kulkarni frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach has unfortunately put concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Kulkarni works closely with patients towards attaining a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• If a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Kulkarni develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.
• The journey from their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure to wellness often involves Dr. Kulkarni's dedicated care. The milestone is their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, which opens the door back to activities such as feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kulkarni to see patients who were troubled by their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession successfully achieve feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.

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

Dr. Kulkarni's practice, Dawson Dental East York, is situated in the Danforth West, Riverdale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Alexandra Theatre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kulkarni at Dawson Dental East York?

Your first visit with Dr. Kulkarni 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. Kulkarni will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Kulkarni 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 important to follow Dr. Kulkarni's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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. Kulkarni can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Kulkarni can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kulkarni 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, 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.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Kulkarni for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Dawson Dental East York.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Kulkarni offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Kulkarni focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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. 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. Kulkarni 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). Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

Dawson Dental East York
985 Broadview Ave
Toronto, ON, M4K 2R9

Phone: (416) 422-2132

Dr. Shamal Nachiket Kulkarni 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: 501954

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501954

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