About
Dr. Benjamin A Vangalen is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre in Orangeville, ON, Dr. Vangalen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Vangalen 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. Vangalen 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. Vangalen 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. Vangalen 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 Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre.
Dr. Benjamin A Vangalen earned a Dental Degree from New York University, graduating in 2018. With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Vangalen 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. Vangalen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Vangalen's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Vangalen provides consultations in English.
Dr. Benjamin A Vangalen provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Dental Anxiety Phobia
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
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.
Gag Reflex Management
- Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Vangalen. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
- Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
- Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
- Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
- Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Vangalen. 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. Benjamin A Vangalen adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Fifth Avenue Family 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. Vangalen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- If an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Vangalen develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits.
- Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Vangalen when they first notice wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, enabling them to once again enjoy travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies without hesitation.
- Patients experiencing experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Vangalen's practice, a key objective is feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
- For patients where persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is a primary concern, Dr. Vangalen focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Vangalen, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Vangalen is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre, where Dr. Vangalen practices, is situated in a central location within the Orangeville neighborhood of Orangeville. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Vangalen for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Vangalen 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's crucial to follow Dr. Vangalen's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.
- 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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Vangalen 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).
- 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). It is strongly recommended that patients verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance before starting treatment.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Vangalen at Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre?
- Your first visit with Dr. Vangalen 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. Vangalen 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.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Vangalen?
- No, a referral is typically not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Vangalen.
Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre
75 Fifth Ave
Orangeville, ON, L9W 1G3
Phone: (519) 941-5801
Dr. Benjamin A Vangalen 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: 117954
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=117954
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Vangalen 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.