Dr. Usman Malik

Dr. Usman Malik 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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

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

• 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.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.

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

At Parkway Dentistry, 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. Malik frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development with Dr. Malik's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort once more.
• Dr. Malik provides dedicated support for patients going through a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered, always aiming for positive outcomes like their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• Through Dr. Malik's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming often find they can readily achieve an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Malik with concerns about feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, making a positive and lasting return to actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Parkway Dentistry, where Dr. Malik practices, is situated in the Holmedale, North Ward neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Brantford City Hall and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Malik 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).

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Malik 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 (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Malik's specific recommendation.

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). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Malik at Parkway Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Malik 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. Malik will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Malik for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Parkway Dentistry.

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

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

Parkway Dentistry
299 Wayne Gretzky Parkway #1
Brantford, ON, N3R 8A5

Phone: (519) 720-9119

Dr. Usman Malik 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: 84739

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=84739

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