Dr. Keith Da Silva – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Keith Da Silva is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at University of Western Ontario in London, ON, Dr. Silva is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Silva 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. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Silva provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. Dr. Silva 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.

Dr. Keith Da Silva earned a Dental Degree from Columbia University, graduating in 2007. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Paediatric Dentist at the Columbia University in 2009. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Silva is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Silva's commitment to professional development ensures that their patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Silva's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Silva provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Keith Da Silva addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Dental Trauma Children

• Traumatic Injuries to Primary or Young Permanent Teeth in Children: Seeking expert urgent and long-term care for dental trauma in children to maximize the chances of saving injured teeth, managing pain and infection, and monitoring for potential complications to developing permanent teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Childhood Dental Conditions

• Comprehensive Dental Needs of Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Addressing a wide range of dental issues common in childhood, such as early childhood caries, dental developmental anomalies, dental trauma, or orthodontic interception needs, in a child-friendly environment.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Providing specialized, age-appropriate dental care from infancy through adolescence, including examinations, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and fillings.
• Pediatric Sedation Dentistry (Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, IV Sedation, General Anesthesia - Specialist Setting): Specialized pediatric sedation and anesthesia services to enable complex or lengthy dental work to be completed effectively and humanely for challenging cases.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Management of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) & Cavities in Children: Expert care for managing cavities and promoting a cavity-free future for children.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Utilizing Cone Beam CT technology for comprehensive three-dimensional views of your oral and maxillofacial structures when indicated.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Silva is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At University of Western Ontario, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• When their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth, Dr. Silva and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Managing their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Silva and the dental team. The clear aim is always their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Dr. Silva often consults with patients whose wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age significantly limits their enjoyment of smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• A key objective when treating their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure at Dr. Silva's welcoming dental clinic is achieving a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Silva, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Silva is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Silva's practice, University of Western Ontario, is situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Core and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). 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. Silva at University of Western Ontario?

Your first visit with Dr. Silva 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. Silva 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 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. Silva 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). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

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

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

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

How does Dr. Silva as a Pediatric Dentist manage children with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs?

Dr. Silva is trained in behavior guidance techniques such as tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and distraction to create a child-friendly environment. They have experience managing patients with various needs. Options like nitrous oxide may be considered, or a referral for deeper sedation/general anesthesia may be made if appropriate and necessary for the patient's care. Dr. Silva prioritizes a patient and gentle approach.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Silva is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information. If Dr. Silva identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Silva help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Silva can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

University of Western Ontario
1151 Richmond Street
London, ON, N6A 5C1

Phone: (519) 661-2111

Dr. Keith Da Silva is a licensed Pediatric 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: 81229

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=81229

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