Dr. James Vlahos – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. James Vlahos is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at N/A in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Vlahos is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Vlahos 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. Vlahos 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. Vlahos 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. Dr. Vlahos 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 N/A.

Dr. James Vlahos earned a Dental Degree from State University Of New York, graduating in 1992. With over 32 years of practice since 1993, Dr. Vlahos 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. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Vlahos is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

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

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

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.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
• 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.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• 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.

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

At N/A, 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. Vlahos frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Vlahos often consults with patients whose simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning significantly limits their enjoyment of confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Vlahos to see patients who were troubled by recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit successfully achieve the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly with Dr. Vlahos's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings once more.
• Dr. Vlahos expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy). A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.

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

Dr. Vlahos's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 any potential exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Vlahos 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 starting treatment at N/A.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Vlahos will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Vlahos's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Vlahos at N/A?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Vlahos and the team at N/A 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. Vlahos 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. Vlahos?

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

N/A
282 Geneva St
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 2E8

Phone: (905) 937-4673

Dr. James Vlahos 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: 12394

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12394

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