Dr. William John Whitehead – Dentist | Harrow, ON

Dr. William John Whitehead is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Harrow Dental Office in Harrow, ON, Dr. Whitehead is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Whitehead 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. Whitehead 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. Whitehead 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. Whitehead 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 Harrow Dental Office.

Dr. William John Whitehead earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1988. With over 37 years of practice since 1988, Dr. Whitehead 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. Whitehead is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Whitehead's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Whitehead provides consultations in English.

Dr. William John Whitehead 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 Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• 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.

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

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.

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

At Harrow 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. Whitehead frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably is preventing you from fully enjoying their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them or causing discomfort, Dr. Whitehead offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Dr. Whitehead often consults with patients whose needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) significantly limits their enjoyment of delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Whitehead expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity, means they can happily and comfortably get back to showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• Many people seek Dr. Whitehead's professional help and expertise when dealing with ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine.

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

Harrow Dental Office, where Dr. Whitehead practices, is situated in a central location within the Harrow neighborhood of Harrow. 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.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Whitehead 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. Whitehead at Harrow Dental Office?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Whitehead and the team at Harrow Dental Office 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. Whitehead will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Whitehead 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Whitehead's specific recommendation.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Whitehead for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Harrow Dental Office.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Whitehead 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. Whitehead also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Whitehead 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Harrow Dental Office.

Harrow Dental Office
1470 Erie Rd Box 190
Harrow, ON, N0R 1G0

Phone: (519) 738-6722

Dr. William John Whitehead 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: 11213

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11213

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