Dr. Taek-Seung Kim – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Taek-Seung Kim is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Westmount Mall Dental Office in London, ON, Dr. Kim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim 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 Westmount Mall Dental Office.

Dr. Taek-Seung Kim earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1994. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Kim 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 Oral; N/A. Dr. Kim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Kim's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; 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. Kim provides consultations in English.

Dr. Taek-Seung Kim 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: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

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 Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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. Kim. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.

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

At Westmount 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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Kim often consults with patients whose a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable significantly limits their enjoyment of experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• When a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Kim helps patients strive for a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This makes participating in activities such as no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work a pleasant and possible experience again.
• With Dr. Kim's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant is focused on achieving a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness without dental concerns.
• For patients where a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal is a primary concern, Dr. Kim focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth.

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

Westmount Mall Dental Office, where Dr. Kim practices, is situated in the Westmount South, Southcrest neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Cherryhill Village Mall and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Kim will personalize your schedule based on your unique oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, individuals managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while those with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendations.

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. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered under OHIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before treatment at Westmount Mall Dental Office.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Kim determines the frequency based on your oral health, risk factors, and history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

Yes, Dr. Kim understands that dental anxiety is common. Westmount Mall Dental Office offers various sedation options to help patients relax. These may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on your needs and the planned procedure. Please discuss your anxiety with Dr. Kim during your consultation so the most appropriate and safest sedation approach can be determined.

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

No, a referral isn't needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Westmount Mall Dental Office directly to book your visit with Dr. Kim.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at Westmount Mall Dental Office?

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form, discussing your dental concerns and goals, and a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Kim will then explain their assessment and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a good opportunity to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kim provides primary dental care for all ages. Services include 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 gum disease management, and cosmetic procedures (if offered). Dr. Kim also provides patient education on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Kim may also offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Westmount Mall Dental Office
925 Wonderland Rd S
London, ON, N6K 3R5

Phone: (519) 473-1263

Dr. Taek-Seung Kim 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: 12696

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12696

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