Dr. Shanmugam Sivanesan

Dr. Shanmugam Sivanesan 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

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.

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

At Wayside/Finch Dental Office, 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. Sivanesan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain is a primary concern, Dr. Sivanesan focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• Are you struggling with a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable? Dr. Sivanesan partners with patients to target the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies a much more achievable reality.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider, involves working systematically towards their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event. Dr. Sivanesan expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• Dr. Sivanesan's comprehensive care for experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits is meticulously designed to result in the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly without dental worries.

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

Wayside/Finch Dental Office, where Dr. Sivanesan practices, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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.

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Sivanesan 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Sivanesan typically provide?

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Sivanesan at Wayside/Finch Dental Office?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Sivanesan and the team at Wayside/Finch Dental Office 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. Sivanesan 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). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What is Wayside/Finch Dental Office's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Sivanesan. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $75. We appreciate your cooperation.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Sivanesan will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Sivanesan's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Wayside/Finch Dental Office directly.

Wayside/Finch Dental Office
3852 Finch Ave E #207
Scarborough, ON, M1T 3T9

Phone: (416) 291-1085

Dr. Shanmugam Sivanesan 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: 12832

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12832

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