Dr. Stena Dushantha Sothiratnam – Dentist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Stena Dushantha Sothiratnam is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Lime Ridge Mall Dental Office in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Sothiratnam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Sothiratnam 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. Sothiratnam 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. Sothiratnam 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. Sothiratnam 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 Lime Ridge Mall Dental Office.

Dr. Stena Dushantha Sothiratnam earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2018. With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Sothiratnam 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Sothiratnam is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Sothiratnam's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Sothiratnam provides consultations in English.

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

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: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• 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.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

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

• 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.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Minor surgical or laser-assisted gum reshaping to create a more balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious smile by optimizing the gingival architecture.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Lime Ridge Mall 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. Sothiratnam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options is a common journey for patients under Dr. Sothiratnam's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, so that daily routines and pleasures like their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post become straightforward again.
• Dr. Sothiratnam provides dedicated support for patients going through their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling, always aiming for positive outcomes like their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues.
• Dr. Sothiratnam expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• At Dr. Sothiratnam's clinic, addressing simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.

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

Dr. Sothiratnam's practice, Lime Ridge Mall Dental Office, is situated in the Hamilton Mountain West Central (Southam, Bonnington) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton Farmers' Market and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Sothiratnam 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Sothiratnam may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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 diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Sothiratnam 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. Sothiratnam at Lime Ridge Mall Dental Office?

Your first visit with Dr. Sothiratnam 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. Sothiratnam 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. Sothiratnam for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Sothiratnam 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. Sothiratnam's specific recommendation is key.

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

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

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, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Lime Ridge Mall Dental Office
999 Upper Wentworth St
Hamilton, ON, L9A 4X5

Phone: (905) 575-0412

Dr. Stena Dushantha Sothiratnam 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: 116957

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=116957

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