General dentistry in London, Ontario is the everyday care that keeps your mouth healthy — exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and early treatment of decay or gum trouble. One general dentist handles most of what your family needs, in one place, and refers out only for complex cases. If you have put off a checkup, Apple Tree Dental in London, Ontario can get you back on track — with two locations and Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage accepted.
General Dentistry in London, Ontario: What Every Family Should Know
Your general dentist is the person who sees your mouth more than anyone else. They track small changes over years. They know your history. And they catch the quiet problems — a tiny cavity, early gum inflammation, a cracked filling — before you ever feel pain.
That is the whole point of routine care. Most serious dental problems start small and silent. Skip checkups for a few years, and a $200 filling can quietly grow into a root canal and crown. Show up twice a year, and you usually avoid that path entirely.
Access to this care has grown fast in Canada. As of April 2026, more than 6.5 million Canadians were covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and over 4 million had already seen a provider [Health Canada, 2026]. For many, it was their first dental visit in years.
What Does a General Dentist Actually Do?
A general dentist handles the core of your oral health. Their job is to keep healthy mouths healthy and fix problems early. Here is what that covers day to day.
Preventive work is the part that saves you the most money. Routine professional teeth cleaning removes the hard buildup a toothbrush cannot reach — the buildup that leads to gum disease and decay.
When a tooth does get damaged, restorative care steps in. A filling handles small decay. A crown or bridge repairs bigger damage. And root canal treatment saves a tooth that would otherwise be lost.
What Happens at a Routine Dental Checkup?
Step 1: Exam and X-rays
Your dentist checks each tooth, your gums, and your bite. X-rays reveal decay hiding between teeth and below the gumline. This is where small problems get caught early — long before they hurt.
Step 2: Professional cleaning
A hygienist removes plaque and tartar, then polishes your teeth. You leave with a cleaner mouth and clear feedback on which spots you are missing at home. Most people need this every six months.
Step 3: Your treatment plan
If the exam finds anything, your dentist walks you through it in plain language. You see the options, the reasons, and the cost before any work starts. Nothing gets done without your say-so.
Step 4: Follow-up care
Healthy mouth? You book your next cleaning and go. Need a filling or crown? You schedule it. Either way, you leave knowing exactly where your oral health stands and what comes next.
Family Dentistry: One Clinic for Every Age
A good general practice treats the whole household — toddlers to grandparents. That saves you juggling different clinics for different family members. One office, one set of records, appointments booked together.
Starting kids early matters more than most parents realise. More than half of Canadian children aged 6 to 11 have already had a cavity, and severe decay is a leading cause of day surgery in young children [Health Canada, 2026]. Early visits build good habits and keep small problems small.
Apple Tree Dental provides family dentistry for patients of every age. And when a true dental emergency hits — a knocked-out tooth, sudden swelling, severe pain — the same team offers emergency dental care so you are not left searching at the worst moment.
Cost of General Dentistry in London, Ontario — and How CDCP Helps
Here is the honest picture. Routine care — an exam and cleaning — costs far less than the treatments you need after skipping it for years. Prevention is always the cheaper path. The trouble is, cost is exactly why many people avoid the dentist in the first place.
Access has never been wider. Close to 100% of active dentists in Canada now treat CDCP patients, and Ontario leads the country for providers enrolled [Health Canada, 2026]. For a personalised estimate based on your exam, book an appointment and get real numbers before you commit.
General Dentist vs Specialist: Who Do You Actually Need?
Most people never need a specialist. Your general dentist handles the vast majority of care and only refers out for complex work. Knowing the difference saves you time and stress.
Even when you do need a specialist, your general dentist stays involved. They make the referral, share your records, and pick your routine care back up afterward. Ontario dentists work to evidence-based standards set by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, so referrals are made when they genuinely help. You can see the full list of dental services offered in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions: General Dentistry in London, Ontario
How often should I see a general dentist?
Most people need a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, a high cavity rate, or another ongoing issue, your dentist may want to see you more often. Regular visits catch problems while they are still small and cheap to fix.
What is the difference between a general dentist and a family dentist?
Very little. “General dentist” describes the training. “Family dentist” simply means they treat all ages, from young children to seniors. Most general dentists in London, Ontario are family dentists too, so you can bring the whole household to one clinic.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover general dentistry?
Yes. CDCP covers core services like exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fillings for eligible Canadians without private insurance. Coverage details depend on your situation, so confirm what applies to you when you book. Apple Tree Dental accepts CDCP patients.
I have not been to the dentist in years. Is that a problem?
Not for the team — it is more common than you think, and there is no judgement. The sooner you come in, the more options you have. A long-overdue exam simply tells your dentist where to start. Delaying only lets small problems grow.
Does a dental checkup hurt?
A routine exam and cleaning should not hurt. You may feel mild pressure or sensitivity, especially if it has been a while. If you feel anxious about dental visits, tell the team — they can slow the pace and explain each step as it happens.
Can a general dentist do a root canal or extraction?
Yes, in most cases. General dentists routinely perform straightforward root canals and simple extractions. They refer the more complex cases — like impacted wisdom teeth or difficult canals — to a specialist, then handle your follow-up care afterward.
Why does oral health matter beyond my teeth?
Because your mouth is connected to the rest of you. Poor oral health is linked to problems elsewhere in the body and to missed work and school — an estimated 4.15 million working days are lost in Canada each year to dental issues [Health Canada, 2026]. Prevention protects more than your smile.
How do I find a good general dentist in London, Ontario?
Look for a clinic that treats all ages, explains costs clearly, and accepts your coverage. Read real patient reviews and check that they offer the services you need. You can learn more about the Apple Tree Dental team and its two London locations.
Book Your General Dentistry Appointment in London, Ontario
Healthy teeth start with a simple checkup. A routine exam and cleaning at Apple Tree Dental gives you a clear picture of your oral health — and catches small problems before they grow. Two London locations, CDCP accepted, families welcome. Book your visit today and stop putting it off.