Dr. Elizabeth Ann Vella Caruana

Dr. Elizabeth Ann Vella Caruana 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

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.

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.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Administering a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask for mild anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and relaxation during dental procedures; suitable for both adults and children with mild to moderate dental apprehension.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At Cedar Springs Dental, 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. Caruana frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation can cause, Dr. Caruana tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• Patients experiencing their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Caruana's practice, a key objective is their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• Dr. Caruana expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• For individuals troubled by their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably, Dr. Caruana's approach is focused on delivering a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues with a healthier smile.

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

Cedar Springs Dental, where Dr. Caruana practices, is situated in a central location within the Waterdown neighborhood of Waterdown. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Caruana at Cedar Springs Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Caruana and the team at Cedar Springs Dental 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. Caruana will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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 minimize any potential 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. Caruana 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. Caruana for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Caruana 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 important to follow Dr. Caruana's specific recommendation.

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

Yes, Dr. Caruana understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Cedar Springs Dental offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Caruana during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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). It is important 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Caruana 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 may offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Caruana may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Caruana help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Caruana can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice, such as recommending a night guard for bruxism, or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

Cedar Springs Dental
419 Dundas St E #7
Waterdown, ON, L8B 0K4

Phone: (905) 690-2298

Dr. Elizabeth Ann Vella Caruana 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: 65010

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=65010

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