Dr. Araceli Silva Ochoa

Dr. Araceli Silva Ochoa provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ochoa. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ochoa. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Araceli Silva Ochoa adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At N/A, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Ochoa frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Ochoa often consults with patients whose a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment significantly limits their enjoyment of their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• The journey from their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed to wellness often involves Dr. Ochoa's dedicated care. The milestone is their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option, which opens the door back to activities such as maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• Dr. Ochoa understands that dealing with persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, helping patients comfortably get back to being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues and feeling their best.
• Through Dr. Ochoa's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention often find they can readily achieve achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Ochoa, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Ochoa is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Dr. Ochoa's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Hamilton Mountain West Central (Southam, Bonnington) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Ancaster Village and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Ochoa?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Ochoa.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ochoa at N/A?

Your first visit with Dr. Ochoa will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Ochoa will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Ochoa will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Ochoa for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Ochoa will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Ochoa's specific recommendation.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Ochoa typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Ochoa is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Ochoa also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Ochoa can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Ochoa can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

N/A
920 Upper Wentworth St #4
Hamilton, ON, L9A 5C5

Phone: (905) 385-0040

Dr. Araceli Silva Ochoa is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 39163

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=39163

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Ochoa and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.