Dr. Youssef Ali Mersal

Dr. Youssef Ali Mersal 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

• 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: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Improving the aesthetics of front teeth with skillfully applied and polished resin material, often requiring minimal or no tooth preparation.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• 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 Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.

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

At N/A, 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. Mersal frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Mersal's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth often find they can readily achieve achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• Dr. Mersal provides dedicated support for patients going through a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing, always aiming for positive outcomes like a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Mersal when they first notice their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic, enabling them to once again enjoy feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos without hesitation.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed with Dr. Mersal'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 overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments once more.

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

Dr. Mersal's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Lower Town, Sandy Hill East, ByWard Market neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar St entrance) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mersal at N/A?

Your first visit with Dr. Mersal 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. Mersal 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Mersal 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), while others may have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Mersal's specific recommendations.

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. Mersal will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Mersal is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 gum disease management, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding, if offered). They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Mersal may also offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Yes, Dr. Mersal understands dental anxiety. N/A may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation (depending on qualifications). Discuss your anxiety with Dr. Mersal during your consultation to determine the most appropriate and safe sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density, and are in good general health. Dr. Mersal can perform a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Mersal can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist if appropriate.

N/A
230 Dalhousie St
Ottawa, ON, K1N 7E2

Phone: (613) 233-8558

Dr. Youssef Ali Mersal 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: 122189

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=122189

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