Dr. Yu-Chi Kao – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Yu-Chi Kao is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Marks Dentistry in Toronto, ON, Dr. Kao is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kao 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. Kao 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. Kao 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. Yu-Chi Kao earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2018. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Kao 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. Kao is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Kao's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Kao 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 Marks Dentistry. Dr. Kao provides consultations in English.

Dr. Yu-Chi Kao 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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): 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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• 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.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Administering a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask for mild anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and relaxation during dental procedures; suitable for both adults and children with mild to moderate dental apprehension.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Offering safe and effective in-office (chairside) or custom-fitted take-home teeth whitening (bleaching) treatments to significantly brighten your smile and remove extrinsic and some intrinsic stains.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• 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.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.

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

At Marks Dentistry, 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. Kao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Kao provides dedicated support for patients going through a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite, always aiming for positive outcomes like their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
• If experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth is preventing you from fully enjoying their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth or causing discomfort, Dr. Kao offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Dr. Kao understands that dealing with their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause, helping patients comfortably get back to passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children and feeling their best.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Kao when they first notice their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, enabling them to once again enjoy enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty without hesitation.

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

Marks Dentistry, where Dr. Kao practices, is situated in the Alderwood, Long Branch neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). 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. Kao 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. Kao offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Kao understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Marks Dentistry offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Kao during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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). Always verify your coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Kao will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Follow Dr. Kao's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kao at Marks Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kao and the team will get to know you and your oral health. Expect a medical history form, a discussion about dental issues or goals, a detailed examination, and possibly digital X-rays. Dr. Kao will then 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. Kao?

No referral is typically needed to see a general dentist. Contact Marks Dentistry directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kao.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kao provides primary dental care for all ages, offering 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 complex needs. Dr. Kao may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options.

Marks Dentistry
604 Brown's Line
Toronto, ON, M8W 3V5

Phone: (416) 259-1349

Dr. Yu-Chi Kao 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: 501302

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501302

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