Dr. Lavina Wilma D’Souza – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Lavina Wilma D'Souza is a Dentist. Practicing at Cosmo Dental Centre in London, ON, Dr. D'Souza is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. D'Souza 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. D'Souza 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. D'Souza 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 Cosmo Dental Centre.

Dr. Lavina Wilma D'Souza earned a Dental Degree from Mangalore University, graduating in 1990. With over 12 years of practice since 2013, Dr. D'Souza's commitment to ongoing continuing education ensures patients receive up-to-date dental care. Dr. D'Souza is dedicated to providing the best possible care for her patients.

Key aspects of Dr. D'Souza's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. D'Souza provides consultations in English.

Dr. Lavina Wilma D'Souza provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

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: 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.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• 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.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.

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

At Cosmo Dental Centre, 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. D'Souza frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For individuals troubled by experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite, Dr. D'Souza's approach is focused on delivering finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection with a healthier smile.
• Patients presenting with a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved under Dr. D'Souza's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Are you struggling with needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury? Dr. D'Souza partners with patients to target their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile a much more achievable reality.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. D'Souza to see patients who were troubled by a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite successfully achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.

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

Dr. D'Souza's practice, Cosmo Dental Centre, is situated in the Hamilton Road Area, Trafalgar Heights neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Western University and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. D'Souza typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. D'Souza 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, and sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, and initial management of gum disease. Cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding may also be offered. Dr. D'Souza also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. D'Souza at Cosmo Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. D'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. D'Souza will discuss her findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

No, a referral is typically not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Cosmo Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. D'Souza.

Does Cosmo Dental Centre offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. D'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).

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). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Cosmo Dental Centre.

Cosmo Dental Centre
373 Clarke Rd
London, ON, N5W 5G4

Phone: (519) 659-2767

Dr. Lavina Wilma D'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: 92325

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92325

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