Dr. Nunzia Domenica Di Santo – Dentist | Barrie, ON

Dr. Nunzia Domenica 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. 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.

Dr. Nunzia Domenica Di Santo earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1994. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Santo is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

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; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Santo provides consultations in English.

Dr. Nunzia Domenica 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:

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

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.

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.

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. Nunzia Domenica 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:

• If a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients is preventing you from fully enjoying their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them or causing discomfort, Dr. Santo offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Understanding the frustration their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed can cause, Dr. Santo tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• Dr. Santo understands that dealing with a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, helping patients comfortably get back to no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems and feeling their best.
• For those affected by a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing, Dr. Santo provides solutions that lead to their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.

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 Georgian College and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. 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 recommendations for optimal oral health.

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, which may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. 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.

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. 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). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Santo will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and risk factors, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Westowne Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Santo.

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 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. Dr. Santo may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

At your initial appointment, expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Santo will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Phone: (705) 728-5883

Dr. Nunzia Domenica 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: 12740

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12740

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.