Dr. Shengcai Li – Dentist | Markham, ON

Dr. Shengcai Li is a Dentist. Practicing at Unionvillage Dental in Markham, ON, Dr. Li is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Li 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. Li 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. Li 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 Unionvillage Dental.

Dr. Shengcai Li earned a Dental Degree from Hubei Medical University, China, graduating in 1989. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Li has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Li is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Li's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Li provides consultations in English.

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

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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

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

• 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.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• 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.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.

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

At Unionvillage Dental, 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. Li frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem at Dr. Li's welcoming dental clinic is achieving experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• For those affected by concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches, Dr. Li provides solutions that lead to feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• When a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures, Dr. Li and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak and a return to comfort and confidence.
• When a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Li helps patients strive for their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This makes participating in activities such as feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Unionvillage Dental, where Dr. Li practices, is situated in the Unionville (South), Buttonville, Milliken Mills West neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Markham Fairgrounds and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Li 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 may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Li's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 by OHIP. 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). Patients should verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance before starting treatment at Unionvillage Dental.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Li at Unionvillage Dental?

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

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Li 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. Li typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Li 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Unionvillage Dental
2 Station Ln
Markham, ON, L3R 1R3

Phone: (905) 604-9069

Dr. Shengcai Li 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: 101411

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=101411

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