Dr. Yolanda C. Cruz

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

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.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.

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.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• 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.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.

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

At Dentistry on the Path, 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. Cruz frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Cruz often consults with patients whose a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively significantly limits their enjoyment of passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For those affected by wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth, Dr. Cruz provides solutions that lead to their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain.
• Effectively addressing a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident with Dr. Cruz's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun and social interactions.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession with Dr. Cruz's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain once more.

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

Dentistry on the Path, where Dr. Cruz practices, is situated in the Richmond, Adelaide, King (Entertainment District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Ontario Museum and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Cruz at Dentistry on the Path?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Cruz and the team at Dentistry on the Path 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. Cruz 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. Cruz?

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

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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Dentistry on the Path.

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. Cruz 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).

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

Yes, Dr. Cruz understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Dentistry on the Path may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Cruz during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Cruz 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended. Dr. Cruz will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Cruz's specific recommendation.

Dentistry on the Path
390 Bay St #C006 Floor B1
Toronto, ON, M5H 2Y2

Phone: (416) 595-5490

Dr. Yolanda C. Cruz 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: 11776

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11776

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