Dr. So Young Lee

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

Common Dental Issues

• 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.

Gum Disease Initial

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).

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

At Smile on Lawrence 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. Lee frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is a common journey for patients under Dr. Lee's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, so that daily routines and pleasures like simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly become straightforward again.
• Dr. Lee's comprehensive care for concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches is meticulously designed to result in receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues without dental worries.
• A key objective when treating a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider at Dr. Lee's welcoming dental clinic is achieving a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• Dr. Lee provides dedicated support for patients going through feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals, always aiming for positive outcomes like finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.

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

Smile on Lawrence Dental, Dr. Lee's practice, is situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Alexandra Theatre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). 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. Lee 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 are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Lee can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Lee can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

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

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

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

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Lee 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 if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Following Dr. Lee's specific recommendation is important.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lee at Smile on Lawrence Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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.

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.

Smile on Lawrence Dental
960 Lawrence Ave W #103
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B5

Phone: (416) 256-9088

Dr. So Young Lee 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: 61341

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=61341

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