Did you know that your version of Internet Explorer is out of date?
To get the best possible experience using our website we recommend downloading one of the browsers below.

Internet Explorer 10, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is any procedure used to improve your smile, including porcelain veneers, bridges and crowns, teeth whitening, bonding and white fillings. Dr. Sherman Ki offers all of these services in his Yorkville dental office. Find out more.

Is cosmetic dentistry right for me?

Do you hide your smile because you don’t think it looks as good as it could? Would you like it to be whiter or straighter? Do you have missing or damaged teeth? You’d be surprised what a difference cosmetic dentistry can make to how you look and how you feel. If you’re thinking about it, why put off a beautiful smile? Schedule a no-pressure consultation with Dr. Ki, and he and his team can talk to you about your options and help you make an informed decision.

Can I have my old silver fillings replaced even if they aren’t falling out?

Silver fillings usually last up to eight years and eventually do need to be replaced. If they’re still in good shape, but you want a more natural-looking smile, we can replace them with white fillings or cover them with porcelain inlays for better aesthetics.

I have a cavity that needs filling. Do I have to have a silver filling?

No – we prefer the white fillings too, and recommend them to most of our clients over the old mercury fillings.

The only thing wrong with my smile is my yellow teeth. What can I do?

Discoloured enamel is one of the easiest things to fix – and it makes a huge difference in the look of your teeth. We offer several whitening options that can be done in our office or in the privacy of your own home. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, talk to us. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

Both crowns and bridges fall under the category of restorative dentistry, which is an approach that’s used to return your teeth to their desired look and stability. Crowns and bridges both add stability to the surrounding teeth and give your smile a more attractive look. We usually use a crown when a single tooth is damaged; it’s placed over the damaged tooth, offering support and aesthetic appeal. A bridge is a replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. A tooth is created in the gap, and is supported by the teeth surrounding it, essentially creating a “bridge.”

Can porcelain veneers cover up the gaps in my smile?

Definitely. Porcelain veneers are specifically designed to cover gaps, chips, permanent stains, misshapen teeth and washed-out fillings. The thin veneers work as instant orthodontics and will give you the beautiful smile you desire.

I’m scared of going to the dentist. Do you have any way to help me get over my fear?

You certainly aren’t the only person who has fear or anxiety about dental visits. Perhaps you’ve had a bad experience, or one of your parents was anxious about dentistry and passed their fear on to you. At Bay Bloor Dental, we do everything we can to provide you with a relaxed, pain-free experience that won’t leave you anxious.

We offer knee support, neck cradles, music, videos – even teddy bears! If you’re a particularly anxious patient, however, sedation can be a great option to help you relax. Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) calms you, has no side effects and leaves the system immediately, so you can leave the office on your own. If that’s not enough, we can recommend oral sedation, which you take in pill form an hour or two before your visit – however, you won’t be able to drive, so you’ll need a family member or friend to escort you to and from your appointment.

When should I bring in my child for his or her first dental appointment?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends children see their dentist at around 18 months of age. They may not have a lot of teeth at that point, but it’s a great way to introduce them to the experience in a low-key way. Dr. Ki will count their teeth, show you how to care for their teeth and gums, and make it fun, interactive and easy. And of course, there’s always a treat from the treasure box at the end of each appointment!

Do you do orthodontics?

We will determine if orthodontics or Invisalign is the right approach for your teeth. If so, we will refer you to a skilled orthodontist in our network, where you can count on the same quality of care that you get at Bay Bloor Dental.

Do you extract wisdom teeth?

Yes. But for cases such as impacted wisdom teeth, we will refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in more complex cases, and will provide you with the same level of expertise and quality of care as Bay Bloor Dental.

What kinds of tooth whitening options do you offer? How do they compare to the kits I can buy at the drugstore?

We offer two whitening options. The first is a budget-friendly take-home kit that you use for three weeks. The second is an in-office Zoom2 laser treatment that only takes a couple of hours. Talk to us to see what’s right for you!

The kits you can buy from the drugstore are effective to a certain degree, but can be cumbersome, and only whiten your front teeth. When you have your teeth whitened in the office, you can be assured that the process is safe, effective, and done under the supervision of a dental professional. It’s much more controlled, easier to use, and produces better results.

My tooth is really sensitive to heat and cold. What does that mean?

Sensitivity could mean a number of things. The root structure of one (or more) of your teeth might be exposed due to receding gums or eroded enamel. If you brush your teeth too hard, drink a lot of acidic beverages, or have your teeth whitened too often, this can lead to sensitivity. However, sensitivity can also indicate decay or damage to a tooth, gum disease or another underlying problem. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, your best bet is to talk to Dr. Ki about it.

My gums bleed when I floss. Is that bad?

Basically, when you don’t floss regularly and properly, the plaque between your teeth can cause your gums to get red and swollen, a condition known as gingivitis. The inflammation isn’t painful, and if you catch it early, and start brushing and flossing more effectively, you can reverse it. But if it goes untreated too long, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

I don’t have dental insurance. Do you have payment plans or other options to help me pay over time?

Absolutely. We understand that getting the smile you want can be hard on the budget. Please feel free to talk to us about alternative payment options.

I’ve heard that a sleep guard can help prevent snoring. Is that true?

If you snore at night, a mouth guard can be an simple way for everyone to get a better rest. It’s a device that’s designed to position your jaw in a way that keeps your airway open – so you can keep breathing easy all night.

However, snoring can be more than just an annoyance. It can be a sign of sleep apnea – a serious condition where you stop breathing for multiple short periods of time. Sleep apnea can lead to a myriad of health problems ranging from diabetes to heart disease. Talk to Dr. Ki or your physician about your concerns.

I keep hearing about implants – what are they and why should I get one?

An implant is a titanium rod surgically implanted into your jaw bone and topped by an artificial tooth. It’s the next best thing to a real tooth, and is designed to last a lifetime. If you’re missing a tooth (or teeth), there are a number of reasons why you’d want to replace it with an implant.
The bone in the area missing the tooth can break down, weakening your jaw.
Your other teeth may move into the gap, causing teeth to appear crooked, and your bite to be misaligned.
A complete smile will make you look and feel better.
And if you wear full or partial dentures, implants are an excellent way to anchor them so they don’t shift when you talk or eat, enhancing both comfort and aesthetics. Read more.