Dr. Wai Man Lam – Dentist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Wai Man Lam is a Dentist. Practicing at Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Lam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lam 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. Lam 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. Lam 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 Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates.

Dr. Wai Man Lam earned a Dental Degree from National Taiwan University, graduating in 1979. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. Lam has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lam is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Lam's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Lam provides consultations in English.

Dr. Wai Man Lam 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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.

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

At Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates, 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. Lam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Lam about a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing is to attain feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• Managing a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Lam and the dental team. The clear aim is always their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• With Dr. Lam's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is focused on achieving the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without dental concerns.
• For those affected by the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding, Dr. Lam provides solutions that lead to gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their child participating happily in school photos and social activities.

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

Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates enjoys 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. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lam will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients might 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. It's crucial to follow Dr. Lam's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Lam 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lam at Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lam and the team at Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates 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. Lam will 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. Lam?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lam.

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 strongly recommended that you verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates.

Dr. Wai Man Lam & Associates
4040 Finch Ave E #304
Scarborough, ON, M1S 4V5

Phone: (416) 292-8388

Dr. Wai Man Lam 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: 13409

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13409

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