Family Dentistry

After 30 years of dental practice in Mississauga, Dr. Lloyd Pedvis has relocated to “home turf” in the Vaughan Region. With state-of-the-art technology and excellent support staff, Dr. Pedvis treats patients throughout the region - including Woodbridge, Vaughan, and Maple. Family dentistry services at Mackenzie Dental Centre range from cosmetic dentistry to implant surgery, to full-mouth reconstruction. Dr. Pedvis' clinic is truly a family dental centre. All treatments offered are personalized to meet the unique needs of the patient.

Dr. Pedvis and the dental clinic team are at the forefront of modern dentistry. Every patient is assured of the highest standard of care, whether it’s a regular dental checkup, a teeth whitening treatment, or a more complex dental procedure. Many patients of Mackenzie Dental Centre have noticed the soothing environment of the clinic. It’s a relaxing atmosphere designed to be comforting and relaxing for both adults and children. Patients can even relax and watch the ceiling-mounted flat-screen TV during their check-ups and dental procedures.

What is a family dentist?

Like a general dentist, a family dentist is extensively trained – although with a special focus in treating patients of all ages. With a family dentist, you can manage your family’s dental needs in one location.

With a family dentist in Woodbridge Vaughan, oral health care can start at the toddler stage and then continue for a lifetime. Usually, with a preventive approach, a family dentist will offer a good deal of dental education. With a focus on providing a positive dental experience, your family dentist is able to take care of all your dental needs – from regular checkups, to fillings, to teeth whitening, to root canals, all at one location.

The Importance of Having Your own Family Dentist in Vaughan

Sometimes undervalued, going to the dentist is just as important as going to the family doctor. At any age, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene – it’s simply essential for ensuring long lasting teeth.

While there are different types of dentists, it’s important to have a family dentist. If you’re looking for a family dentist in Vaughan Woodbridge, it’s helpful to understand what types of services the dentist offers. As the name suggests, a family dentist can take care of the entire family – basically a one-stop clinic for all your oral care needs. One of the benefits is having a good overview of the family’s dental history.

Stress-Free Dental Office for Family and Children

At Mackenzie Dental Centre, parents will find a comfortable and stress-free atmosphere for their children. Whatever the child’s age, regular dental visits and oral exams simply become routine. The aim is to instill positive ideas about oral hygiene, dental health, and preventative dentistry.

With a focus on children’s dentistry, Dr. Pedvis educates young patients with “grown-up” ideas that they can live with – like maintaining the best dental hygiene, preventing dental cavities, and avoiding orthodontic problems. It’s an approach that sets the stage for the future.

Parents know that children are going to have dental issues from time to time - so it makes sense to have access to a good kid-friendly dental clinic, like the Mackenzie Dental Centre.

Moderate Sedation

As a benefit to patients who might be particularly nervous in the dentist’s office, Dr. Pedvis offers Moderate Sedation – sometimes referred to as conscious sedation. It allows the patient to feel far more relaxed. Patients are conscious and awake, and can follow directions, without feeling pain. Dr. Pedvis is licensed, and the clinic team is constantly monitoring the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate. Moderate Sedation is an ideal option for the more invasive dental procedures.

Amalgam-Free Fillings

Amalgam-free fillings are 100% mercury free. They don’t expand or contract with temperature variations in the mouth, and are cosmetically appealing as they match the natural tooth colour. These “composite” fillings resemble the physical structure of a natural tooth, and serve to restore a tooth, rather than "fill" a tooth. Where required, Dr. Pedvis can also remove all existing amalgam fillings and replace them with amalgam-free fillings for a totally mercury free mouth.

Crowns / Bridges / Implants / Veneers

A dental crown is a "cap" that covers the tooth in order to restore shape, size, and strength. When cemented in place, a dental crown encases the visible part of a tooth, improving its appearance. 

A dental bridge is more of a device – it fills the space where a tooth (or teeth) would be missing. A bridge will be custom-designed and custom-fit, and will typically incorporate an artificial tooth.

A dental implant will replace a natural tooth with a so-called “replacement” tooth. It’s a surgical procedure with excellent results - the finished work feels physically comfortable and natural.

Dental veneers are applied when teeth are damaged or decayed. Made of porcelain or composite material, veneers are designed to fit seamlessly over a tooth, improving the aesthetic look.

Emergency Dental Services

Unfortunately, accidents and emergencies do happen from time to time - even to those of us who are careful and cautious. For these unexpected situations, the Mackenzie Dental Centre provides emergency care for adults and children. The clinic is well equipped to treat various emergencies, and Dr. Pedvis does his best to ensure immediate attention. Patients in Vaughan Region can rest assured that the Mackenzie Dental team is available to provide the best possible dental care.

What age should a child go to the dentist?

Many parents wonder when their child should first visit the pediatric dentist. Research shows that many children don’t visit the dentist until well after 2 years old – this is much later than any of the dental professionals or medical professionals recommend.

In fact, in Canada and the United States, dental professionals and associations actually recommend that children go to the pediatric dentist at one year of age (or six months after the first tooth). Primary teeth usually start to grow at six months of age.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

Once a child’s primary teeth have grown, it’s good to brush them with an infant brush and small amount of toothpaste. At age two, children should learn to spit while brushing their teeth (the idea here is to avoid swallowing any toothpaste regardless of the type).

Children age three and up should use only small amounts of toothpaste, particularly if the toothpaste contains fluoride. As a general rule, children younger than eight should be supervised while brushing. Even at these ages, preventive care should be practiced.

What kind of toothpaste do you use for babies?

While primary teeth are temporary, they still have to be cared for. The fact is, decayed primary teeth can be problematic, and can even compromise placement of permanent teeth. Brushing, and other oral care habits, is best practiced at the earliest age possible.

Dental associations recommend using fluoride toothpaste even at an early age, providing the quantity is small and nothing is swallowed. As children grow, they should learn how to spit out the toothpaste after brushing (regardless of the brand or type of toothpaste).

What should I look for when looking for a family dentist?

If you’re looking for a family dentist in Vaughan, the choice shouldn’t be taken lightly. A good dentist will view you and your family as patients for life. Your dentist will be fully familiar with your family history, and understand your health concerns your needs.

A good listener

Good dentists do their best to listen to their patients – and that takes time and patience.  A good dentist will not rush to provide treatment without the appropriate consultation.

Educating patients

Your dentist should be educating you on oral health care, general medical issues, and treatment options that are available. A good dentist works with you to enhance health.

Patient respect

The dental practice you choose should respect your time and your budget. That means providing timely attention, while considering your budget when suggesting treatment.

Clean clinic office

Whether you have a family dentist in Vaughan, or in Toronto, the clinic office should be clean and orderly. Anything short for a medical services practice is just unacceptable.

No “upselling”

Your dentist should not “upsell” you on any dental products or treatments that you don't need. Recommendations for products and treatments should be explained and clarified.

Personal attention

Dental treatments and procedures must be personal – your dentist should be taking the time to know you and your medical history in order to provide the best possible service.

Long-term care

A good dentist will encourage regular examinations and periodical screenings for your benefit. Yes, your dentist is in business, but customer service and attention are still key.

Patient value

As a patient, you want to be valued. Beyond the professional services rendered, a good dentist will be genuinely interested in a patient’s family and the general goings-on.

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

If you’re choosing a family dentist in Vaughan, you should be aware of the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist. Essentially, an orthodontist specializes in tooth alignment, bite improvement, and corrective braces (or similar alignment devices).

An orthodontist treats a number of different issues – including misaligned teeth, over-bites/under-bites, and crowded teeth. Treatment is also offered for Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (as well as other jaw problems that require specialization).

Why choose Mackenzie Dental Centre?

Dr. Lloyd Pedvis is a family dentist in Vaughan and Woodbridge, providing a wide range of professional services at the Mackenzie Dental Centre. As your specialist in family dental care Vaughan, Dr. Pedvis and his team offer the full extent of dental treatments – from cosmetic dentistry to surgery. Providing family dentistry in Maple Vaughan, Dr. Pedvis offers patients a personalized approach to treatment. If you’re looking for a local clinic, the Mackenzie Dental Centre will satisfy all of your needs – from infants with primary teeth to senior citizens.

To find out more about the Mackenzie Dental Centre, call Dr. Pedvis directly at 905-417-8700 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment. We’ll show you how a distinctive approach to dentistry can make a difference for the whole family.