Common Dental Questions

Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are currently welcoming new patients of all ages to our practice. Contact us today to book your first appointment!

How do I become a new patient?
We love new patients! Please call us at 416.348.0000 to schedule a new patient exam and cleaning, or book an appointment online.

What is the closest intersection to Metropolitan Dental?
We are located at the southeast corner of College Street and University Avenue. For more detailed directions and a map, see our Contact page.

What is the closest TTC subway station to Metropolitan Dental?
Queen’s Park Station is the closest subway station to our office. See the map on our Contact page for more detailed directions.

What subway, streetcar or bus can I use to get to Metropolitan Dental?
You can take the TTC Subway Line 1 (Yonge-University) to Queen’s Park Station and access our clinic via the underground link to the MaRS Centre, Concourse Level. You can also reach us via the 506 Carlton streetcar or the 13 Avenue Road bus route. Directions and a map are on our Contact page.

Is there parking?
The MaRS Centre offers underground paid parking, or there is street parking on Elizabeth Street.

Do you accept insurance?
We do submit insurance claims directly to the insurance company electronically, however, we are a fee-for-service dental office. We do collect payment at the time of service and your insurance carrier will reimburse you directly for the services. A dental insurance plan is a contract between the policy holder and the insurance company; however, we try to assist patients when possible with navigating their insurance plans.

What are your fees?
We follow the suggested fee schedule outlined in the Ontario Dental Association Fee Guide.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned by a dentist?
A schedule for teeth cleaning and dental health maintenance should be established after a complete dental examination, including radiographs. Most people should have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist every 6 months. However, some people may need more frequent visits to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

What type of x-rays does Metropolitan Dental have?
Metropolitan Dental uses only digital radiographs which emit approximately one-tenth the radiation as conventional radiographs.

How often do I need dental x-rays?
Dental check-up radiographs or bitewing x-rays are taken approximately once a year. Every patient is unique so the dentist will establish the frequency of radiographs based on the specific needs of the individual patient.

Why do I need to get x-rays?
Dental radiographs allow the dentist to see what is happening inside the teeth and under the gum tissues. The x-rays allow us to examine for cavities, periodontal disease, bone loss, infections, tooth formation and growth as well as normal tooth eruption patterns.

How often should I brush my teeth?
It is recommended to brush a minimum of two times per day.

Do I need to floss?
Flossing is recommended to remove plaque from between the teeth, a space that is not reached by tooth brushing alone. Plaque between teeth causes cavities and contributes to gingivitis and gum disease.

What happens during a complete examination?
A comprehensive oral exam is needed to evaluate and diagnose all conditions of the dentition and surrounding oral cavity. A new patient exam includes bitewing x-rays and a panoramic radiograph in addition to photographs. At the end of the exam the dentist will discuss all the findings and show the patient the x-rays and photos. Also, the patient is encouraged to ask questions and discuss any concerns.

What is a filling?
A filling is a procedure where decay is removed from the tooth and a restoration or filling is placed to restore and replace the missing tooth structure. The filling is contoured to ensure proper function and esthetics of the tooth for integration into the existing dentition. The dentist will utilize the appropriate and indicated local anesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure.

What type of fillings material does Metropolitan Dental use?
Metropolitan Dental uses a composite resin material that is white or “tooth-coloured” in appearance.

What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment needed to remove diseased or injured nerve tissue from a tooth. There are several indications for this procedure including severe tooth decay, deep fillings, a cracked tooth or trauma to a tooth. At Metropolitan Dental, the dentist will completely anesthetize the affected tooth and surrounding tissues to ensure comfort during the procedure.

What is a crown?
A crown is a complete covering of a tooth in order to protect the tooth after major treatment such as large fillings and root canals. A crown also serves to protect the tooth from further fracture if a tooth has cracked.

What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom made, thin, acrylic appliance that when worn protects the teeth from the damage of grinding or clenching. It can also help ease symptoms of headaches associated with teeth grinding and clenching.

What is a sports mouth guard?
It is recommended that participants in certain sports, especially contact sports, should wear a mouth guard. The mouth guard can minimize the risk of fractured teeth, cut lips and damage to your mouth. A mouth guard can also reduce the occurrence of concussions when worn as directed.

What is an implant?
An implant is a titanium post, similar to the root of a tooth that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant then supports a crown which replaces a single tooth or a bridge or denture which replaces several teeth.

What are the treatment options?
Metropolitan Dental only offers Invisalign treatments for orthodontics.

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is orthodontic treatment where a series of custom fabricated aligner trays gently move the teeth under the direction of our dentists. The dentist plans your customized case and Invisalign makes the trays to the dentist’s specifications.

Does Invisalign work as well as traditional braces?
Invisalign has been proven to successfully move teeth orthodontically however the dentist will decide whether a patient can undergo treatment with the Invisalign system. Depending on the patient’s teeth, the alignment and the bite, the dentist will advise the differences in treatment duration and the reasons why.

What are the treatment options?
Metropolitan Dental offers in-office as well as take-home teeth whitening treatments. We can discuss the best option for your needs.

What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a process where the tooth structure is lightened in color by placing solution onto the tooth. Most stains and discoloration can be removed with whitening, however a dentist should complete an examination to evaluate the teeth prior to starting a whitening regime. Whitening can be completed in-office or at home using custom fabricated trays or pre-filled trays.

Does whitening damage my teeth?
Moderation is key: occasional whitening of teeth is not usually problematic; however, if used too frequently the enamel or the root structure of the teeth can be damaged. Your dentist will suggest an appropriate whitening schedule.

When should I bring my kids to the dentist?
It is recommended that children have a dental exam approximately six months after the eruption of their first tooth.

What can I expect for my child’s first visit?
The first dental visit will be fun! It will familiarize the child to the dental setting; and an exam and polish will be completed if possible. Oral hygiene and diet instructions will be discussed. Also, it is a great time to ask any questions you may have about your child and their teeth.

How often should kids brush their teeth?
Children should brush their teeth 2 times per day: once in the morning (preferably after breakfast) and again before bed.

What kind of toothpaste should I use for my child?
Children under 3 years of age can start with training toothpaste without fluoride. Starting around 3 years old, the age that a child can rinse and spit effectively, a toothpaste with fluoride should be introduced and used regularly.

Why does my child need to use fluoride?
Toothpaste with fluoride strengthens the enamel of the teeth, thus decreasing the likeliness of bacteria that can cause tooth decay to attack the teeth.

Do I need to floss my child’s teeth?
Yes! Kids need to floss just as much as an adult: everyday, once a day at minimum.

Should I help my kids with brushing?
Yes! Children usually need assistance with brushing until approximately 8 years old.

What are sealants?
Sealants are a protective coating placed onto the grooves of permanent teeth to prevent cavities from starting. Usually they are placed after complete eruption of the permanent molars.

Do kids need x-rays?
Yes. Dental decay can occur as soon as children have teeth. Dental decay progresses faster in children, so it is recommended x-rays occur on a regular basis as prescribed by the dentist.

When does the first tooth fall out?
Children usually lose their first lower front incisor between the ages of 4.5-7 years old. The 6 year-old molars usually erupt around the same time as the loss of the first baby tooth.

When should my child see an orthodontist and how do I know if it is needed?
Kids can see an orthodontist as early as 7-8 years old for assessment. The dentist will recommend a good time for a consultation with an orthodontist.