Dr. Michael John Diston – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Michael John Diston is a Dentist. Practicing at Glendale Dental Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Diston is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Diston 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. Diston 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. Diston 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 Glendale Dental Centre.

Dr. Michael John Diston earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1986. With over 39 years of practice since 1986, Dr. Diston's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their expertise. Dr. Diston is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Diston's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; 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. Dr. Diston provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• 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.
• 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.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At Glendale 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. Diston frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances, Dr. Diston and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Through Dr. Diston's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning often find they can readily achieve their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• For those affected by their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession, Dr. Diston provides solutions that lead to experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• A key objective when treating their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to at Dr. Diston's welcoming dental clinic is achieving the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.

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

Glendale Dental Centre, where Dr. Diston practices, is situated in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Ridley College and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Glendale Dental Centre's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Glendale Dental Centre’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (905) 227-7007. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Diston or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the St. Catharines area.

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

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

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

Your first visit with Dr. Diston 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. Diston 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.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Diston 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 (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Diston's specific recommendation.

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 during the procedure. 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. Diston 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 essential 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 Glendale Dental Centre.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Diston 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.

What is Glendale Dental Centre's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Diston. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $75. We appreciate your cooperation.

Glendale Dental Centre
305 Glendale Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 2L6

Phone: (905) 227-7007

Dr. Michael John Diston 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: 10707

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10707

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