Dr. Shan Gao – Dentist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Shan Gao is a Dentist. Practicing at Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry in Thornhill, ON, Dr. Gao is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gao 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. Gao 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. Gao 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 Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry.

Dr. Shan Gao earned a Dental Degree from West China University Of Med Sciences, graduating in 1992. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Gao has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Gao is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures Dr. Gao remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Gao's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Gao provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shan Gao 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.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• 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.

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

At Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry, 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. Gao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite? Dr. Gao partners with patients to target their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain a much more achievable reality.
• A key objective when treating an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath at Dr. Gao's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• When their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues, Dr. Gao and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment and a return to comfort and confidence.
• At Dr. Gao's clinic, addressing concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches means focusing on patient goals. Achieving feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.

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

Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry, where Dr. Gao practices, is situated in a central location within the Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Gao will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Gao's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gao at Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Gao and the team at Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry 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. Gao 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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Gao 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).

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Gao.

Yonge & 407 Family Dentistry
8131 Yonge St #202
Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C6

Phone: (905) 731-3636

Dr. Shan Gao 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: 84688

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=84688

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