Dr. Shirley Salazar – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Shirley Salazar is a Dentist. Practicing at Bamburgh Plaza Dental Office in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Salazar is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Salazar 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. Salazar 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. Salazar 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 Bamburgh Plaza Dental Office.

Dr. Shirley Salazar earned a Dental Degree from Manila Central University, graduating in 1989. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Salazar’s experience has provided them with a strong foundation in comprehensive dental care. Dr. Salazar is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Salazar's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Salazar provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shirley Salazar 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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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): 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): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• 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.
• 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.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.

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

At Bamburgh Plaza 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. Salazar frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Salazar's comprehensive care for their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care is meticulously designed to result in their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation without dental worries.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Salazar when they first notice wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve 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), enabling them to once again enjoy confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions without hesitation.
• A key objective when treating experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple at Dr. Salazar's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury with Dr. Salazar's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures once more.

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

Bamburgh Plaza Dental Office, where Dr. Salazar 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Salazar at Bamburgh Plaza Dental Office?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Salazar and the team at Bamburgh Plaza 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. Salazar will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Bamburgh Plaza Dental Office directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Salazar.

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 Bamburgh Plaza Dental Office.

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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Salazar will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Salazar will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs and risk factors. Some may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Salazar typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Salazar provides primary dental care for all ages. Services include 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 may include cosmetic procedures. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some specialists accept patients directly, a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Salazar is often recommended or required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant information and the visit is appropriate. Dr. Salazar will provide a referral if specialist care is needed.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They support fixed or removable replacement teeth. Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density, and are in good general health. Dr. Salazar can perform a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Salazar offers implant consultations and may provide restorative services related to implants. For implant placement, a referral to a specialist may be necessary.

Bamburgh Plaza Dental Office
1883 McNicoll Ave #16 - 18
Scarborough, ON, M1V 5M3

Phone: (416) 321-9855

Dr. Shirley Salazar 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: 14174

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=14174

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