Dr. Gildo Coelho Santos Jr. – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Gildo Coelho Santos Jr. is a Dentist. Practicing at University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry in London, ON, Dr. Santos is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Santos 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. Santos 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. Santos 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 University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry.

Dr. Gildo Coelho Santos Jr. earned a Dental Degree from The Federal University Of Bahia, graduating in 1985. Dr. Santos brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Santos is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Santos remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

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

Dr. Gildo Coelho Santos Jr. 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• 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.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.

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

At University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry, 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. Santos frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession, Dr. Santos outlines a path to their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Santos with concerns about an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, making a positive and lasting return to their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Many people seek Dr. Santos's professional help and expertise when dealing with a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
• Patients experiencing a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Santos's practice, a key objective is their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.

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

Dr. Santos's practice, University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry, is situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near North London Athletic Fields and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Santos 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Santos's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Santos at University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Santos and the team at University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry 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. Santos 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. Santos?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Santos.

What is University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Santos. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient in need of care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $75. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Santos 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Santos 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).

University of Western Ontario - School of Dentistry
Dental Sciences Building Room DSB 1003
London, ON, N6A 5C1

Phone: (519) 661-3345

Dr. Gildo Coelho Santos Jr. 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: 67372

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=67372

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