Dr. Aura Milagro Hidalgo – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Aura Milagro Hidalgo is a Dentist. Practicing at Smiles on Southdale in London, ON, Dr. Hidalgo is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hidalgo is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Hidalgo provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Hidalgo serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Smiles on Southdale.

Dr. Aura Milagro Hidalgo earned a Dental Degree from La Univ.Nacional Autonoma De Mexico, graduating in 1988. With over 23 years of practice since 2002, Dr. Hidalgo has developed extensive clinical experience. Dr. Hidalgo is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective dental treatments and approaches.

Key aspects of Dr. Hidalgo's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Hidalgo provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• 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 Pain Emergency

• 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): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hidalgo. 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. Aura Milagro Hidalgo adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Smiles on Southdale, 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. Hidalgo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching? Dr. Hidalgo partners with patients to target gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances a much more achievable reality.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Hidalgo when they first notice their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, enabling them to once again enjoy no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care without hesitation.
• Understanding the frustration experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease can cause, Dr. Hidalgo tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist), allowing for renewed participation in activities like resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• When wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Hidalgo helps patients strive for being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing. This makes participating in activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Smiles on Southdale, Dr. Hidalgo's practice, is situated in the White Oaks, Bradley neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Shopping Centre and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Hidalgo for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Smiles on Southdale.

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 for the general population. 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Smiles on Southdale.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hidalgo at Smiles on Southdale?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Hidalgo and the team at Smiles on Southdale will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Hidalgo will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Hidalgo 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).

Smiles on Southdale
639 Southdale Rd E
London, ON, N6E 3M2

Phone: (519) 936-0212

Dr. Aura Milagro Hidalgo 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: 37525

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=37525

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Hidalgo 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.