Dr. Sonal Shah – Dentist | Pickering, ON

Dr. Sonal Shah is a Dentist. Practicing at Amberlea Dental Centre in Pickering, ON, Dr. Shah is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shah 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. Shah 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. Shah 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 Amberlea Dental Centre.

Dr. Sonal Shah earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2004. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Shah's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Shah is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Shah's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Shah provides consultations in English.

Dr. Sonal Shah 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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

• 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.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• 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).
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.

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

At Amberlea Dental Centre, 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. Shah frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them is a common journey for patients under Dr. Shah's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, so that daily routines and pleasures like resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain become straightforward again.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Shah about the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding is to attain the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• If wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth has unfortunately put showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Shah works closely with patients towards attaining their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Through Dr. Shah's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces often find they can readily achieve feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.

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

Dr. Shah's practice, Amberlea Dental Centre, is situated in the Bay Ridges, West Shore neighborhood of Pickering. The clinic is conveniently located near Rouge National Urban Park Access and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). 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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Shah 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).

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

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

What is Amberlea Dental Centre's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Shah. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient in need of care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently.

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 (often through employers) 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.

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

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

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Shah will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Shah's specific recommendation.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Shah. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, minimizing sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Shah might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shah at Amberlea Dental Centre?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: 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. Shah will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

Amberlea Dental Centre
1822 Whites Rd
Pickering, ON, L1V 1R8

Phone: (905) 831-6666

Dr. Sonal Shah 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: 62181

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=62181

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