Dr. Joseph Anthony Fortino

Dr. Joseph Anthony Fortino 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

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

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: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

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

• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fortino. 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. Joseph Anthony Fortino 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. Fortino frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), Dr. Fortino provides solutions that lead to having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• The journey from needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth to wellness often involves Dr. Fortino's dedicated care. The milestone is their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again, which opens the door back to activities such as their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet.
• Managing wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Fortino and the dental team. The clear aim is always a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Dr. Fortino often consults with patients whose experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth significantly limits their enjoyment of their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Fortino's practice, which is N/A, is situated in a central location within the Ancaster neighborhood of Ancaster. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Fortino will personalize your or your child's schedule based on individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may require more frequent 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 between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. Fortino's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Fortino 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. Fortino 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. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. 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). Check your eligibility for any public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Fortino is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). General Dentists also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Fortino may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Fortino offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Fortino understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, N/A offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Fortino during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients can contact N/A directly to arrange a visit with Dr. Fortino.

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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Fortino will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

N/A
385 Wilson St E #101
Ancaster, ON, L9G 2C1

Phone: (905) 304-1000

Dr. Joseph Anthony Fortino 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: 92273

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92273

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