Find Compassionate Dental Care for Durand Residents in Hamilton
I am Dr. Cindy Li, and I enjoy helping Hamilton families feel confident about their dental health. From our office at Excel Dental on East Avenue South, I provide a full spectrum of dental care designed to meet the needs of people who live and work near Durand, combining gentle chairside manners with practical treatment plans tailored to each person.
Our approach to care for Durand residents
I build treatment plans around each patient’s goals and concerns, whether that means preserving a healthy smile with routine care or restoring function after dental problems. My team and I take time to listen, explain options in plain language, and prioritize treatments that give the best long-term value. I draw on years of clinical experience to recommend conservative, evidence-based care whenever possible.
Accessibility and convenience matter to my patients in Durand. I schedule appointments to respect busy family and work lives, and I coordinate care so follow-up visits are streamlined. When a patient needs urgent attention, I make room for same-day or next-day care whenever I can.
Preventive and routine dentistry
Prevention is the cornerstone of what I do. Regular cleanings, oral exams, and risk-based screenings help us catch issues early, reduce the need for more extensive procedures, and keep costs down over time. I tailor recall intervals based on each person’s oral health, lifestyle, and medical history.
I emphasize education in the operatory. I show patients proper brushing and flossing techniques, discuss diet and tobacco impacts, and review how medications or systemic conditions can affect oral health. Empowering patients with knowledge leads to better outcomes.
Restorative treatments I provide
When teeth are damaged or decayed, I offer restorations designed to restore chewing ability, aesthetics, and long-term tooth health. My restorative repertoire includes tooth-coloured fillings, durable crowns, and root canal therapy when needed to save a tooth. I select materials and techniques that balance strength and appearance.
For more complex cases, I work closely with trusted specialists and dental laboratories in the Hamilton area so patients receive coordinated care. My priority is to preserve natural tooth structure and provide restorations that integrate comfortably into everyday life.
Cosmetic options and smile enhancement
Many patients in Durand want smiles that reflect their confidence. I offer conservative cosmetic services such as tooth whitening, bonding, and porcelain veneers when appropriate. I discuss realistic expectations and show before-and-after examples so patients can make informed choices.
Cosmetic treatment is always tied to function in my practice. I evaluate bite, gum health, and tooth structure before recommending esthetic work, because durable, beautiful results are grounded in a healthy foundation.
Comfort, safety, and patient experience
Comfortable care starts with clear communication and a calm environment. I make a point of explaining procedures step by step and checking in with patients during treatment. For those who feel anxious, I offer strategies such as progressive relaxation, topical anesthetics, and nitrous oxide where clinically appropriate.
Infection control and safety are nonnegotiable. My team follows current provincial and national guidelines for sterilization, personal protective equipment, and operatory disinfection. I stay current with continuing education so patients receive care that reflects modern standards.
Emergency and same-day care
Dental emergencies happen, and I know how distressing they can be. I prioritize urgent issues such as severe pain, swelling, or trauma and provide timely assessment and pain control. When definitive treatment requires additional appointments, I stabilize the situation and outline a clear plan.
I aim to reduce anxiety by explaining what caused the emergency, what immediate steps we will take, and what to expect during recovery. I also follow up after urgent visits to ensure healing is on track and any further care is arranged.
Working with children and families
I enjoy treating children and making their early dental visits positive. I use a gentle, age-appropriate approach to build trust and establish good habits. Parents appreciate that I provide guidance on teething, pacifier use, fluoride, and nutrition to reduce decay risk.
Family care at Excel Dental means coordinating appointments when possible and creating preventive plans for each child’s developmental stage. I also discuss mouthguards for sports and the importance of routine home care.
Technology and modern techniques
I incorporate modern diagnostic tools like digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to improve diagnostic accuracy while minimizing exposure and discomfort. These tools help me show patients what I see and explain treatment needs visually.
Continuing education is part of my practice philosophy. I evaluate emerging techniques and materials critically, adopting those that demonstrate clear benefits in safety, longevity, or patient comfort.
FAQ
How do I book a first appointment?
Call our office and our staff will help you find a convenient time. I review your medical and dental history at the first visit and perform a gentle exam to create a tailored plan.
Do you accept new patients from Durand?
Yes. I welcome new patients and families from Durand and the surrounding Hamilton neighbourhoods. I’ll work with you to establish a comfortable schedule.
How often should I come in for cleanings?
I typically recommend cleanings every six months for most patients, but some people benefit from more frequent visits based on gum health, decay risk, or medical conditions. I’ll personalize the recall interval for you.
Are dental X-rays safe?
When necessary, I use digital X-rays that significantly reduce radiation compared with older film techniques. I only take images that are clinically justified and follow safety protocols.
What should I do for a toothache after hours?
If you have severe pain or swelling outside office hours, call our number and follow posted emergency instructions. I prioritize urgent cases and will advise the best next steps.
Do you provide sedation for anxious patients?
I offer nitrous oxide and in-chair relaxation techniques to help anxious patients. For those needing deeper sedation, I coordinate with qualified specialists to ensure safe care.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Our staff can help estimate benefits and provide pre-treatment information so you understand likely out-of-pocket costs before proceeding.
What can I do to protect my child’s teeth?
Limit sugary drinks and snacks, encourage twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste appropriate for their age, and schedule routine dental visits. I also recommend custom mouthguards for young athletes.
How long do crowns and restorations last?
Lifespan depends on material, oral hygiene, and bite forces. With good care and regular checkups, many crowns and restorations last many years. I discuss realistic expectations before treatment.
Can you replace missing teeth?
I provide options to replace missing teeth that may include bridges or implants in collaboration with specialists. I evaluate each case for function, appearance, and long-term health.
What if I’m nervous about needles?
I use topical numbing gel and gentle techniques to minimize discomfort. Nitrous oxide and calming methods are available, and I take time to make injections as comfortable as possible.
More information
For reliable information on oral health and provincial guidance, I recommend the Ontario Dental Association at oda.ca for patient resources and preventive advice, and the Canadian Dental Association at cda-adc.ca for national guidelines and evidence-based articles. The Government of Ontario’s health pages at ontario.ca also provide useful information on public dental programs and health regulations.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 905-529-2164 and my team will be happy to help.
