Dr. Zhihong Li – Dentist | Markham, ON

Dr. Zhihong Li is a Dentist. Practicing at N/A in Markham, ON, Dr. Li is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Li 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. Li 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. Li 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 N/A.

Dr. Zhihong Li earned a Dental Degree from Shanxi Medical College, China, graduating in 1994. With over 12 years of practice since 2013, Dr. Li's clinical experience is extensive. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Li is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Li remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Li's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Li provides consultations in English.

Dr. Zhihong Li 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: 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.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Li. 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. Zhihong Li 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. Li frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment can cause, Dr. Li tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Li to see patients who were troubled by needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain successfully achieve achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention, Dr. Li offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort.
• With Dr. Li's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history is focused on achieving the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Li's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Thornhill East (part of Vaughan) neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Flato Markham Theatre and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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). Programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario provide coverage for eligible children. It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at N/A.

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

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

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Li and the team at N/A 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. Li 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. Li for a check-up and cleaning?

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

Does N/A offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Li 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Li typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Li 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.

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

Dr. Li and our team at N/A are committed to making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. While we may not offer extensive sedation options in-house, please discuss any anxieties you have with Dr. Li. They can explore various comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and if necessary, can refer you to a colleague or specialist who provides specific sedation services.

N/A
505 Hwy 7 E #85
Markham, ON, L3T 7T1

Phone: (905) 597-1686

Dr. Zhihong Li 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: 95748

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=95748

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