Dr. Michael Di Santo – Dentist | Barrie, ON

Dr. Michael Di Santo is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Westowne Dental Centre in Barrie, ON, Dr. Santo is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Santo 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. Santo 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. Santo also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Michael Di Santo earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1992. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Santo offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Santo is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Santo 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 Westowne Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Santo's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Santo provides consultations in English.

Dr. Michael Di Santo 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

• 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: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Professional-grade bleaching solutions and techniques to achieve a noticeably whiter, more vibrant, and radiant smile under dental supervision.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.

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

At Westowne 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. Santo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Santo's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces is focused on achieving achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity without dental concerns.
• Many people seek Dr. Santo's professional help and expertise when dealing with wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
• If needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Santo develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• For individuals troubled by an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention, Dr. Santo's approach is focused on delivering their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems with a healthier smile.

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

Westowne Dental Centre, where Dr. Santo practices, is situated in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Bayfield Mall and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Santo. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing to clean between teeth, minimizing consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings at Westowne Dental Centre. For extra defense, especially in children, Dr. Santo might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Santo at Westowne Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Santo and the team at Westowne Dental Centre will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Santo will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Santo 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 crucial to follow Dr. Santo's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Santo is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Santo also provides patient education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. They 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. Santo offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Santo understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Westowne Dental Centre offers various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Santo during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Santo 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).

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

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

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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

Westowne Dental Centre
420 Leacock Dr #E
Barrie, ON, L4N 5G5

Phone: (705) 728-5883

Dr. Michael Di Santo 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: 12104

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12104

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