Dr. Stephen Matthew Kay – Dentist | Willowdale, ON

Dr. Stephen Matthew Kay is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Kay Dental in Willowdale, ON, Dr. Kay is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kay 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. Kay 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. Kay 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 Matthew Kay earned a Dental Degree from University Of Michigan, graduating in 1998. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Kay 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. Kay is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Kay remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Kay's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Kay provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• 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.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

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

At Kay 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. Kay frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Kay when they first notice experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, enabling them to once again enjoy attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped without hesitation.
• Many people seek Dr. Kay's professional help and expertise when dealing with their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Kay with concerns about a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, making a positive and lasting return to no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out not just possible, but highly feasible.
• For those affected by their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities, Dr. Kay provides solutions that lead to the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.

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

Kay Dental is situated in a central location within the Willowdale neighborhood of Willowdale. 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 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. Kay 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. Kay?

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

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Kay Dental's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Kay Dental’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (416) 223-2151. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Kay or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Willowdale area.

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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kay 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. Kay may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kay at Kay Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kay and the team at Kay Dental 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. Kay will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended. Dr. Kay 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). Follow Dr. Kay's specific recommendation.

Kay Dental
738 Sheppard Ave E #201
Willowdale, ON, M2K 1C4

Phone: (416) 223-2151

Dr. Stephen Matthew Kay 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: 13901

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13901

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