Dr. Shawn Patrick Steele – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Shawn Patrick Steele is a Dentist. Practicing at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University in London, ON, Dr. Steele is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Steele 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. Steele 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. Steele 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 Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University.

Dr. Shawn Patrick Steele earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2005. With over 20 years of practice since 2005, Dr. Steele's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Steele is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Steele's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Steele provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shawn Patrick Steele 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): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

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

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.

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

At Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 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. Steele frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Steele expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, means they can happily and comfortably get back to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• When needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Steele helps patients strive for their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment. This makes participating in activities such as showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion a pleasant and possible experience again.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Steele about an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options is to attain their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
• If wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development has unfortunately put their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Steele works closely with patients towards attaining experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. Steele's practice, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, is situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Westminster Ponds and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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. Steele 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. Steele typically provide?

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

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 or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University with Dr. Steele?

We welcome new patients to Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University! To become a new patient with Dr. Steele, please contact the clinic or visit our website if online booking is available. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Steele at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University?

Your first visit with Dr. Steele 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. Steele 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.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Steele.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Steele help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Steele can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Steele 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). Follow Dr. Steele's specific recommendation.

Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University
HSA 30 – 1151 Richmond Street
London, ON, N6A 5C1

Dr. Shawn Patrick Steele 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: 65283

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=65283

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