Dr. Gaetano DiBiagio – Dentist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Gaetano DiBiagio is a Dentist. Practicing at Oasis Family Dental in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. DiBiagio is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. DiBiagio 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. DiBiagio 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. DiBiagio 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 Oasis Family Dental.

Dr. Gaetano DiBiagio earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1985. With over 40 years of practice since 1985, Dr. DiBiagio has cultivated extensive clinical experience. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. DiBiagio is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. DiBiagio's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. DiBiagio provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• 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. DiBiagio. 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. Gaetano DiBiagio adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Oasis Family 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. DiBiagio frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. DiBiagio and the dental team. The clear aim is always their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Patients experiencing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. DiBiagio's practice, a key objective is no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• When a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. DiBiagio helps patients strive for their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This makes participating in activities such as their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Effectively addressing experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth with Dr. DiBiagio's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort and social interactions.

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

Dr. DiBiagio's practice, Oasis Family Dental, is situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay Historical Museum and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. DiBiagio is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. DiBiagio also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. DiBiagio at Oasis Family Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. DiBiagio 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. DiBiagio 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.

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 further minimize exposure. 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. DiBiagio 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. DiBiagio for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. DiBiagio will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those 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. DiBiagio's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Oasis Family Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. DiBiagio.

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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by 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 and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene: brush thoroughly twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. DiBiagio are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. DiBiagio may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

Oasis Family Dental
843 Red River #7
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5K4

Phone: (807) 354-7777

Dr. Gaetano DiBiagio 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: 10440

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10440

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