Dr. David Austin Pampena – Dentist | Welland, ON

Dr. David Austin Pampena is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at The Pines Dental Office in Welland, ON, Dr. Pampena is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Pampena 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. Pampena 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. Pampena 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. Utilizing advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), allows for superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at The Pines Dental Office.

Dr. David Austin Pampena earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2008. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Pampena 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 and General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). Dr. Pampena is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Pampena's dedication to providing exceptional dental care to patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Key aspects of Dr. Pampena's dental practice philosophy include fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Pampena tailors treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient, believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Pampena provides consultations in English.

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

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

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Orthodontic Assessment Needs

• Concerns about Crooked, Crowded, Gapped, or Protruding Teeth: Addressing issues of tooth malposition, such as crowding that makes cleaning difficult, or spacing that affects appearance, for a healthier and more attractive smile.
• Bite Problems (Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite, Deep Bite): Experiencing functional or aesthetic issues with how upper and lower teeth meet (malocclusion), affecting chewing efficiency, speech, appearance, or potentially contributing to jaw joint discomfort or tooth wear.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Pampena. 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: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Access to or provision of 3D CBCT scans for detailed imaging of teeth, jawbone, sinuses, and TMJ, essential for complex treatment planning.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• 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.

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

At The Pines Dental Office, 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. Pampena frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Pampena's professional help and expertise when dealing with experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed with Dr. Pampena's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort once more.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation at Dr. Pampena's practice is consistently achieving their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably, Dr. Pampena offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.

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

The Pines Dental Office, where Dr. Pampena practices, is situated in the South Welland, Dain City neighborhood of Welland. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Welland and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT) / Welland Transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Pampena is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Pampena may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

In ON, 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). Check for potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Yes, Dr. Pampena understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, The Pines Dental Office offers various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Pampena 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. Pampena at The Pines Dental Office?

Your first visit 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. Pampena 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.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Pampena will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Pampena's specific recommendation.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary. Dr. Pampena will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

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

The Pines Dental Office
184 Thorold Rd
Welland, ON, L3C 3V7

Phone: (905) 735-4182

Dr. David Austin Pampena 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: 76751

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=76751

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