Dr. Shyam Bhika – Dentist | Brantford, ON

Dr. Shyam Bhika is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Cornerstone Dentistry in Brantford, ON, Dr. Bhika is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Bhika 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. Bhika 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. Bhika also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. Bhika 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 Cornerstone Dentistry.

Dr. Shyam Bhika earned a Dental Degree from Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences, graduating in 2012. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Bhika offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Bhika is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Bhika's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Bhika provides consultations in English.

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

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

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.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

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

• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Cosmetic gum procedures, sometimes using dental lasers or traditional surgical techniques, to precisely reshape an uneven or excessive gum line (gummy smile) or to correct minor gum recession for improved smile aesthetics and tooth proportions.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.

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

At Cornerstone Dentistry, 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. Bhika frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Bhika to see patients who were troubled by looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults successfully achieve achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.
• With Dr. Bhika's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture is focused on achieving the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues without dental concerns.
• For individuals troubled by a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite, Dr. Bhika's approach is focused on delivering their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing with a healthier smile.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history at Dr. Bhika's practice is consistently achieving their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.

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

Cornerstone Dentistry, where Dr. Bhika practices, is situated in the Holmedale, North Ward neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Bell Homestead National Historic Site and is accessible via Brantford Transit. 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 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. Bhika 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bhika at Cornerstone Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Bhika 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. Bhika 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.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Bhika will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Bhika's specific recommendation.

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

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

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). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

Cornerstone Dentistry
25 King George Rd
Brantford, ON, N3R 5J8

Phone: (519) 753-7342

Dr. Shyam Bhika 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: 501922

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501922

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