Dr. Michele Santo D’Agostino – Dentist | Smithville, ON

Dr. Michele Santo D'Agostino is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Village Square Dental Centre in Smithville, ON, Dr. D'Agostino is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. D'Agostino 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'Agostino 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'Agostino 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. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Village Square Dental Centre.

Dr. Michele Santo D'Agostino earned a Dental Degree from Temple University, graduating in 1997. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. D'Agostino 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. D'Agostino is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. D'Agostino's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. D'Agostino provides consultations in English.

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• 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.

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

• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): A personalized and artistic approach to completely redesigning your smile using a carefully selected sequence of cosmetic dental techniques, tailored to your facial features and aesthetic goals.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• 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.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).

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

At Village Square 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'Agostino frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. D'Agostino develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
• Managing a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. D'Agostino and the dental team. The clear aim is always their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• When their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. D'Agostino helps patients strive for their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment. This makes participating in activities such as maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects a pleasant and possible experience again.
• At Dr. D'Agostino's clinic, addressing needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth means focusing on patient goals. Achieving an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.

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

Village Square Dental Centre, where Dr. D'Agostino practices, is situated in a central location within the Smithville neighborhood of Smithville. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. D'Agostino 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. D'Agostino's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Village Square Dental Centre.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. D'Agostino 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. D'Agostino?

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

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. D'Agostino offer any sedation options?

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. D'Agostino 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. D'Agostino at Village Square Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. D'Agostino and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. D'Agostino will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 a general dentist like Dr. D'Agostino. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. D'Agostino identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

Village Square Dental Centre
249 St. Catherines St, Box 929 Village Square Mall
Smithville, ON, L0R 2A0

Phone: (905) 957-2311

Dr. Michele Santo D'Agostino 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: 13618

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13618

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