Dr. Shonna Lynne Masse – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Shonna Lynne Masse is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at The Children's Dental Centre in Toronto, ON, Dr. Masse is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Masse 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. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Masse provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues.

Dr. Shonna Lynne Masse earned a Dental Degree from University Of Detroit Mercy, graduating in 1998. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Paediatric Dentist at the University of Michigan in 2000. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Masse's experience is extensive. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Oral Moderate Sedation. Dr. Masse is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Masse 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 The Children's Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Masse's dental practice philosophy include: 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. Masse provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Shonna Lynne Masse addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Dental Trauma Children

• Traumatic Injuries to Primary or Young Permanent Teeth in Children: Seeking expert urgent and long-term care for dental trauma in children to maximize the chances of saving injured teeth, managing pain and infection, and monitoring for potential complications to developing permanent teeth.

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.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Complex dental cases that significantly benefit from the superior diagnostic information and precise measurements provided by CBCT scans for optimal treatment outcomes.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Expert management of all aspects of children's oral health, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and positive dental experiences.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Pediatric Sedation Dentistry (Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, IV Sedation, General Anesthesia - Specialist Setting): Specialized pediatric sedation and anesthesia services to enable complex or lengthy dental work to be completed effectively and humanely for challenging cases.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Masse is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At The Children's Dental Centre, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Masse often consults with patients whose a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident significantly limits their enjoyment of easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected with Dr. Masse's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance once more.
• The journey from their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth to wellness often involves Dr. Masse's dedicated care. The milestone is their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, which opens the door back to activities such as maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.
• When concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking, Dr. Masse and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved and a return to comfort and confidence.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Masse, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Masse is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

The Children's Dental Centre, where Dr. Masse practices, is located in the charming Old Mill South, King's Mill Park, Sunnylea, Humber Bay neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys convenient proximity to Kensington Market and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Masse at The Children's Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Masse 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. Masse 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.

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Masse 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Masse will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Masse's specific recommendation.

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 any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact The Children's Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Masse.

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

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Masse. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Masse identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

The Children's Dental Centre
523 The Queensway #104
Toronto, ON, M8Y 1J7

Phone: (416) 252-5437

Dr. Shonna Lynne Masse is a licensed Pediatric 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: 14020

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=14020

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