Dr. Joseph Pino Carriero – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Joseph Pino Carriero is a Dentist. Practicing at Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Carriero is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Carriero 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. Carriero 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. Carriero 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 Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery.

Dr. Joseph Pino Carriero earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1991. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. Carriero's extensive clinical experience is complemented by additional qualifications and certifications, including a 1996 qualification from Boston University, United States (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon); and expertise in Deep Sedation - General Anesthesia. Dr. Carriero is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Carriero's dental practice philosophy include believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; and a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Carriero provides consultations in English.

Dr. Joseph Pino Carriero 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• 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): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.

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

At Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery, 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. Carriero frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Carriero helps patients strive for receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This makes participating in activities such as enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine a pleasant and possible experience again.
• When patients discuss a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close, Dr. Carriero outlines a path to the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• Dr. Carriero often consults with patients whose feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning significantly limits their enjoyment of passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Managing a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Carriero and the dental team. The clear aim is always their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery, where Dr. Carriero practices, is situated in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighbourhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairview Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). 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. Carriero at Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery?

Your first visit with Dr. Carriero 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. Carriero 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 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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery.

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. Carriero 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. Carriero for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Carriero will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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. Carriero's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Carriero.

Niagara Peninsula Oral Surgery
163 Scott St
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 1H3

Phone: (905) 934-5432

Dr. Joseph Pino Carriero 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: 11825

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11825

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