Dr. Shana L. Friedman – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Shana L. Friedman is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre in Toronto, ON, Dr. Friedman is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Friedman 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. Friedman 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. Friedman 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. Friedman 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 Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre.

Dr. Shana L. Friedman earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1992. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Friedman 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. Friedman is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Friedman's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Friedman provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shana L. Friedman 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

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

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: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.

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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.

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

At Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre, 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. Friedman frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Friedman helps patients strive for their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This makes participating in activities such as their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Friedman with concerns about a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, making a positive and lasting return to their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Managing their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Friedman 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 replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Patients experiencing their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Friedman's practice, a key objective is understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child participating happily in school photos and social activities.

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

Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre, where Dr. Friedman practices, is situated in the Roselawn neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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, 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 Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Friedman at Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Friedman and the team at Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre 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. Friedman 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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Friedman 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. Friedman?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Friedman.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Friedman will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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). Follow Dr. Friedman's specific recommendation.

Brush, Floss & Smile Forest Hill’s Family Dental Centre
471 Eglinton Ave W
Toronto, ON, M5N 1A7

Phone: (416) 485-5001

Dr. Shana L. Friedman 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: 12110

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12110

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