Dr. Stephen Howard Abrams – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Stephen Howard Abrams is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Cliffcrest Family Dental in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Abrams is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Abrams 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. Abrams 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. Abrams 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. Stephen Howard Abrams earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1980. With over 45 years of practice since 1980, Dr. Abrams 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. Abrams is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Abrams 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 Cliffcrest Family Dental.

Key aspects of Dr. Abrams's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Abrams provides consultations in English.

Dr. Stephen Howard Abrams 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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• 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.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• 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.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.

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

At Cliffcrest Family 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. Abrams frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Abrams about wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is to attain a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.
• For individuals troubled by having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard, Dr. Abrams's approach is focused on delivering their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out with a healthier smile.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow, Dr. Abrams offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• Dr. Abrams often consults with patients whose their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention significantly limits their enjoyment of no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Abrams's practice, Cliffcrest Family Dental, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Abrams 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).

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, social assistance recipients). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Abrams will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Abrams's specific recommendation is essential.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Abrams offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Abrams understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Cliffcrest Family Dental offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Abrams during your consultation so that the most appropriate and safest sedation approach can be determined for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Cliffcrest Family Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Abrams.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Abrams at Cliffcrest Family Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Abrams and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Abrams will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

Cliffcrest Family Dental
2995 Kingston Rd
Scarborough, ON, M1M 1P1

Phone: (416) 265-1400

Dr. Stephen Howard Abrams 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: 9119

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9119

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