Dr. Gabriella Amneris Garisto – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Gabriella Amneris Garisto is a Dental Anesthesiologist. Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department in Toronto, ON, Dr. Garisto is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Garisto 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. As a certified specialist in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Garisto is dedicated to providing advanced pain and anxiety control for dental procedures. This includes the administration of various levels of sedation (moderate, deep) and general anesthesia in a dental setting, ensuring optimal patient safety, comfort, and monitoring for individuals with significant dental fear or phobia, special healthcare needs, or those undergoing extensive, complex, or traumatic dental treatments. Dr. Garisto 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 Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department.

Dr. Gabriella Amneris Garisto earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2007. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Garisto has cultivated extensive clinical experience in their field. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Dentoalveolar CT Scans. Dr. Garisto is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Garisto's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Garisto provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Gabriella Amneris Garisto addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Severe Dental Anxiety Phobia Anesthesia

• Profound Dental Fear, Phobia, or Anxiety Requiring Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia for Dental Treatment: Seeking a completely anxiety-free, pain-free, and often unconscious or deeply amnestic experience for the completion of all required dental procedures due to overwhelming and uncontrollable fear or panic.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Complex Surgical Dental Procedures Anesthesia

• Extensive, Complex, or Traumatic Dental/Oral Surgical Procedures Necessitating Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia: Patients undergoing lengthy, intricate, or potentially traumatic dental or oral surgical procedures (e.g., multiple complex impacted wisdom teeth extractions, full mouth extractions with immediate denture placement, extensive bone grafting or sinus lift procedures, major dental implant surgery, orthognathic surgery, significant facial trauma repair) for which deep sedation or general anesthesia is clinically indicated for optimal patient comfort, safety, immobility, and ideal surgical conditions. Administered by a dental anesthesiologist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

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

• Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia for Dental Procedures (Specialist Administered): The highest level of sedation and anesthesia care for dental patients who cannot be treated under local anesthesia or conscious sedation.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) for Dental Procedures: A collaborative approach where a dental anesthesiologist focuses on the patient's sedation and medical well-being while the operating dentist performs the dental treatment.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Garisto is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• When an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Garisto helps patients strive for gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. This makes participating in activities such as feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Effectively addressing noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer with Dr. Garisto's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations and social interactions.
• The journey from their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach to wellness often involves Dr. Garisto's dedicated care. The milestone is their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, which opens the door back to activities such as confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• With Dr. Garisto's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma is focused on achieving feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth without dental concerns.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Garisto, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Garisto is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Garisto's practice, Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department, is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Cabbagetown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Garisto at Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department?

Your first visit with Dr. Garisto 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. Garisto 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.

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, a referral from a general dentist is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Garisto identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. Dr. Garisto will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits might be needed if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk). Follow Dr. Garisto'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 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. Garisto 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. Garisto?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Garisto.

Hospital for Sick Children - Dental Department
555 University Ave
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-7433

Dr. Gabriella Amneris Garisto is a licensed Dental Anesthesiologist 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: 72904

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=72904

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