Dr. Eric Thomas Piscopo – Dentist | Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Dr. Eric Thomas Piscopo is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Bay Dental Group in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Dr. Piscopo is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Piscopo 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. Piscopo 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. Piscopo 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. Dr. Piscopo 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 Bay Dental Group.

Dr. Eric Thomas Piscopo earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1977. With over 48 years of practice since 1977, Dr. Piscopo 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). This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Oral. Dr. Piscopo is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment and experience.

Key aspects of Dr. Piscopo's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Piscopo provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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 Pain Emergency

• 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.
• 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.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Piscopo. 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: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures & Fixed Hybrid Options): Providing and fitting dentures that are significantly stabilized and retained by attaching to dental implants (implant overdentures) or fixed, non-removable full-arch implant bridges (hybrid dentures), offering vastly improved comfort, chewing efficiency, and stability compared to traditional removable dentures.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• 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.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.

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

At Bay Dental Group, 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. Piscopo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed, involves working systematically towards receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. Dr. Piscopo expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• Patients presenting with wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health under Dr. Piscopo's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence is preventing you from fully enjoying resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain or causing discomfort, Dr. Piscopo offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Piscopo with concerns about wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, making a positive and lasting return to their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Bay Dental Group, where Dr. Piscopo practices, is situated in the Downtown, Central neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near Station Mall and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Piscopo 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). Always check your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before treatment.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Piscopo at Bay Dental Group?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Piscopo and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Piscopo will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Piscopo 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. Piscopo's specific recommendation.

Bay Dental Group
648 Bay St #201
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1X8

Phone: (705) 942-9200

Dr. Eric Thomas Piscopo 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: 8419

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8419

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