Dr. Gerald Peter Vanderpluym – Dentist | Richmond Hill, ON

Dr. Gerald Peter Vanderpluym is a Dentist. Practicing at Hillcrest Dental Centre in Richmond Hill, ON, Dr. Vanderpluym is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Vanderpluym 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. Vanderpluym 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. Vanderpluym 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 Hillcrest Dental Centre.

Dr. Gerald Peter Vanderpluym earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1984. With over 41 years of practice since 1984, Dr. Vanderpluym's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their commitment to providing up-to-date dental care. Dr. Vanderpluym is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide patients with the most advanced and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Vanderpluym'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. Vanderpluym provides consultations in English.

Dr. Gerald Peter Vanderpluym 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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• 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

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

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

At Hillcrest Dental Centre, 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. Vanderpluym frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Vanderpluym's clinic, addressing a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• Dr. Vanderpluym often consults with patients whose a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close significantly limits their enjoyment of easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Many people seek Dr. Vanderpluym'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 having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.
• Patients presenting with their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort under Dr. Vanderpluym's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Hillcrest Dental Centre, where Dr. Vanderpluym practices, is situated in the Central Richmond Hill, Mill Pond neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The clinic is conveniently located near Various Plazas and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. 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. Vanderpluym 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Vanderpluym at Hillcrest Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Vanderpluym 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. Vanderpluym 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.

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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Hillcrest Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Vanderpluym.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. Dr. Vanderpluym 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. Vanderpluym's specific recommendation.

Hillcrest Dental Centre
9350 Yonge St
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 5G2

Phone: (905) 883-0411

Dr. Gerald Peter Vanderpluym 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: 10259

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10259

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