Dr. Mark Francis Santana – Dentist | Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Dr. Mark Francis Santana is a Dentist (Advanced Dental Imaging - CT Scans). Practicing at Sault Family Dental in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Dr. Santana is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Santana 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. Santana 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. Santana utilizes advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), for superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. Dr. Santana 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 Sault Family Dental.

Dr. Mark Francis Santana earned a Dental Degree from Mcgill University, graduating in 1987. With over 38 years of practice since 1987, Dr. Santana offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Santana is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Santana remains at the forefront of modern dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to consistently deliver the highest standards of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Santana's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Santana provides consultations in English.

Dr. Mark Francis Santana provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• 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.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Dental Implant Consultation, Assessment & Treatment Planning: Personalized and detailed treatment planning for single or multiple dental implant placement and subsequent restoration, considering bone quality/quantity and aesthetic goals.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At Sault Family 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. Santana frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Santana's professional help and expertise when dealing with a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• When patients discuss a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially, Dr. Santana outlines a path to receiving a definitive diagnosis for an unusual growth or spot in their mouth, leading to appropriate action, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
• Dr. Santana provides dedicated support for patients going through a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing, always aiming for positive outcomes like transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile.
• Understanding the frustration wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development can cause, Dr. Santana tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, allowing for renewed participation in activities like being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.

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

Sault Family Dental, where Dr. Santana practices, is situated in the Downtown, Central neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near Agawa Canyon Tour Train Station and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Santana for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Sault Family Dental.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Santana at Sault Family Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Santana 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. Santana 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 review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.

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, it's often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from your general dentist like Dr. Santana. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Santana identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

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

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Santana 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. Santana for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Santana will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk). Follow Dr. Santana's specific recommendation.

Sault Family Dental
388 Queen St E
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1Z1

Phone: (705) 759-4780

Dr. Mark Francis Santana 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: 11050

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11050

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