Dr. Austin Edgar A. Saldanha – Dentist | Pickering, ON

Dr. Austin Edgar A. Saldanha is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Rouge Valley Dental Centre in Pickering, ON, Dr. Saldanha is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Saldanha 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. Saldanha 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. Saldanha also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Austin Edgar A. Saldanha earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1989. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Saldanha offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Saldanha is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Saldanha 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 Rouge Valley Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Saldanha's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Saldanha provides consultations in English.

Dr. Austin Edgar A. Saldanha provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.

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

At Rouge Valley Dental Centre, 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. Saldanha frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Saldanha's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider is focused on achieving their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain without dental concerns.
• When wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Saldanha helps patients strive for finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This makes participating in activities such as their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance a pleasant and possible experience again.
• If simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning has unfortunately put feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Saldanha works closely with patients towards attaining receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain, involves working systematically towards achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Saldanha expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.

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

Rouge Valley Dental Centre, where Dr. Saldanha practices, is situated in the Bay Ridges, West Shore neighborhood of Pickering. The clinic is conveniently located near Rouge National Urban Park Access and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Saldanha 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Saldanha's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from your general dentist, such as Dr. Saldanha. A referral ensures the specialist has the relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Saldanha identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If you are unsure, it is best to check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Saldanha 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 also include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. General Dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex needs arise. Dr. Saldanha may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Saldanha offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Saldanha understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Rouge Valley Dental Centre offers various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Saldanha during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Saldanha at Rouge Valley Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Saldanha 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. Saldanha will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Saldanha 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).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Saldanha for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Rouge Valley Dental Centre.

Rouge Valley Dental Centre
375 Kingston Rd #1
Pickering, ON, L1V 1A3

Phone: (905) 509-9999

Dr. Austin Edgar A. Saldanha 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: 11359

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11359

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