Dr. Joel M.G. De Souza

Dr. Joel M.G. De Souza provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• 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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Souza. 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At Olde Oakville 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. Souza frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about is a common journey for patients under Dr. Souza's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, so that daily routines and pleasures like their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet become straightforward again.
• For those affected by feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals, Dr. Souza provides solutions that lead to finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• When a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation, Dr. Souza and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment and a return to comfort and confidence.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own at Dr. Souza's practice is consistently achieving the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.

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

Olde Oakville Dental, where Dr. Souza practices, is situated in the Old Oakville, Eastlake neighborhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near access to GO Stations and is accessible via Oakville Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Souza at Olde Oakville Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Souza 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. Souza 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.

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 to 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. Souza 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. Souza for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Souza 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Souza's specific recommendation.

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

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

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 any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

Olde Oakville Dental
361 Cornwall Rd #105
Oakville, ON, L6J 7Z5

Phone: (905) 829-1666

Dr. Joel M.G. De Souza 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: 10374

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10374

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