Dr. Thomas James Smart – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Thomas James Smart is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Boler Dental in London, ON, Dr. Smart is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Smart 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. Smart 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. Smart 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. Thomas James Smart earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1991. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. Smart 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: N/A. Dr. Smart is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Smart 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 Boler Dental.

Key aspects of Dr. Smart's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Smart provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Smart. 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): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.
• 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.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.

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

At Boler 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. Smart frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively, involves working systematically towards their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural. Dr. Smart expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.
• For those affected by their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach, Dr. Smart provides solutions that lead to a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances.
• When their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Smart helps patients strive for their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one. This makes participating in activities such as playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort a pleasant and possible experience again.
• For individuals troubled by concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly, Dr. Smart's approach is focused on delivering experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking with a healthier smile.

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

Boler Dental, where Dr. Smart practices, is situated in the Westmount South, Southcrest neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Smart 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, and dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Smart also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. They may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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 provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Boler Dental.

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

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

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Smart and the team at Boler Dental will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Smart will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a good time to ask questions.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Smart 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. Smart for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, check-ups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Smart will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., those with active gum disease or high caries risk may need more frequent visits). Always follow Dr. Smart's specific recommendations.

Boler Dental
440 Boler Rd #106
London, ON, N6K 4L2

Phone: (519) 474-4800

Dr. Thomas James Smart 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: 11851

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11851

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