Dr. Steven Howard Starkman – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Steven Howard Starkman is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Dawson Dental Centre - Scarborough in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Starkman is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Starkman 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. Starkman 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. Starkman 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. Starkman 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 Dawson Dental Centre - Scarborough.

Dr. Steven Howard Starkman earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1978. With over 47 years of practice since 1978, Dr. Starkman 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. Starkman is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Starkman'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. Starkman provides consultations in English.

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• 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.

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

At Dawson Dental Centre - Scarborough, 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. Starkman frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Starkman with concerns about their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again, 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.
• Managing their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Starkman and the dental team. The clear aim is always feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their child participating happily in school photos and social activities and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• When noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences, Dr. Starkman and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Dr. Starkman provides dedicated support for patients going through a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems, always aiming for positive outcomes like their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.

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

Dr. Starkman's practice, Dawson Dental Centre - Scarborough, 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Starkman is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease (gingivitis and mild periodontitis), and may also include some cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening or bonding, depending on their specific training and offerings). General dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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

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

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 further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Starkman 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. Starkman for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Starkman 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's essential to follow Dr. Starkman's specific recommendations.

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

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

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Starkman can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Starkman can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist if appropriate.

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). It is essential 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Starkman at Dawson Dental Centre - Scarborough?

Your first visit with Dr. Starkman 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. Starkman will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Dawson Dental Centre - Scarborough
2555 Victoria Park Ave #11/#12
Scarborough, ON, M1T 1A3

Phone: (416) 494-8555

Dr. Steven Howard Starkman 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: 8723

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8723

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