Dr. Yat Fai Sunny Tam – Dentist | Brantford, ON

Dr. Yat Fai Sunny Tam is a Dentist. Practicing at Avenue Dental Center in Brantford, ON, Dr. Tam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tam 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. Tam 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. Tam 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 Avenue Dental Center.

Dr. Yat Fai Sunny Tam earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2014. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Tam's experience has provided a strong foundation for their current role. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Tam is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Tam's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Tam provides consultations in English.

Dr. Yat Fai Sunny Tam provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

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.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.

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

At Avenue Dental Center, 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. Tam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities at Dr. Tam's practice is consistently achieving their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• For those affected by a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider, Dr. Tam provides solutions that lead to feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• At Dr. Tam's clinic, addressing their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care is a common journey for patients under Dr. Tam's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade, so that daily routines and pleasures like delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance become straightforward again.

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

Avenue Dental Center, where Dr. Tam practices, is situated in the West Brant neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Bell Homestead National Historic Site and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Tam 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).

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tam 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. Tam also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Tam at Avenue Dental Center?

Your first visit with Dr. Tam will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Tam will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

What is Avenue Dental Center's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 48 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Tam. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient in need of care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $75. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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 eligibility for programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). Always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage before starting treatment.

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

Generally, we recommend every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Tam will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Please follow Dr. Tam's specific recommendation.

Avenue Dental Center
82 Brant Ave
Brantford, ON, N3T 3H1

Phone: (519) 752-8022

Dr. Yat Fai Sunny Tam 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: 101024

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=101024

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