Dr. Stephanie Shi-Chi Shum – Dentist | North York, ON

Dr. Stephanie Shi-Chi Shum is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at N/A in North York, ON, Dr. Shum is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shum 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. Shum 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. Shum 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. Shum 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 N/A.

Dr. Stephanie Shi-Chi Shum earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2011. With over 14 years of practice since 2011, Dr. Shum 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. Shum is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Shum's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Shum provides consultations in English.

Dr. Stephanie Shi-Chi Shum provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Artistic application and sculpting of tooth-coloured composite resin directly onto teeth to repair chips, close small gaps (diastemas), improve tooth shape, lengthen teeth, or cover discolouration, typically completed in a single dental visit.

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

At N/A, 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. Shum frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Shum's comprehensive care for a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain is meticulously designed to result in their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care without dental worries.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Shum about having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard is to attain their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.
• For those affected by an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath, Dr. Shum provides solutions that lead to their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Shum to see patients who were troubled by a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own successfully achieve their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.

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

Dr. Shum's practice, which is N/A, is situated in a central location within the North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. 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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Shum 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. Shum for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Shum 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). It is important to follow Dr. Shum's specific recommendation.

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.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shum at N/A?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Shum and the team at N/A will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Shum will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

N/A
808 York Mills Rd #32
North York, ON, M3B 1X8

Phone: (416) 445-6000

Dr. Stephanie Shi-Chi Shum 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: 88444

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=88444

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