Dr. Paul Azzopardi – Dentist | Waterloo, ON

Dr. Paul Azzopardi is a Dental Anesthesiologist. Practicing at Smile Town Dentistry in Waterloo, ON, Dr. Azzopardi is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Azzopardi 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. As a certified specialist in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Azzopardi is dedicated to providing advanced pain and anxiety control for dental procedures. This includes the administration of various levels of sedation (moderate, deep) and general anesthesia in a dental setting, ensuring optimal patient safety, comfort, and monitoring for individuals with significant dental fear or phobia, special healthcare needs, or those undergoing extensive, complex, or traumatic dental treatments. Dr. Azzopardi 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 Smile Town Dentistry.

Dr. Paul Azzopardi earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2013. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Dental Anaesthesiologist at the University of Toronto in 2021. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Azzopardi is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Azzopardi's commitment to professional development ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Azzopardi's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Azzopardi provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Paul Azzopardi addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Complex Surgical Dental Procedures Anesthesia

• Extensive, Complex, or Traumatic Dental/Oral Surgical Procedures Necessitating Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia: Comprehensive anesthesia support provided by specialists for major oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures to ensure a pain-free experience and a well-controlled surgical environment.

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.

Failed Local Anesthesia Cases

• History of Inadequate or Failed Local Anesthesia for Dental Procedures: Cases where achieving profound local anesthesia is exceptionally difficult, necessitating advanced anesthesia care for successful treatment.

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

• Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia for Dental Procedures (Specialist Administered): Ensuring complete unconsciousness and absence of pain for complex or lengthy dental treatments, with continuous physiological monitoring by an anesthesia specialist.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Advanced 3D dental imaging for precise diagnostics in implant placement, orthodontics, endodontics, or oral surgery cases.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Dental Anesthesiology, Dr. Azzopardi is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Smile Town Dentistry, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• If their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling has unfortunately put their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Azzopardi works closely with patients towards attaining finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly, Dr. Azzopardi offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances.
• For patients where their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to is a primary concern, Dr. Azzopardi focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach at Dr. Azzopardi's practice is consistently achieving successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Azzopardi, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Azzopardi is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Smile Town Dentistry, where Dr. Azzopardi practices, is situated in the University District (University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Golf & Country Club and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Azzopardi 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's crucial to follow Dr. Azzopardi'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 by OHIP. 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). 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 regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Smile Town Dentistry.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Azzopardi at Smile Town Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Azzopardi 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. Azzopardi 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.

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

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

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 to further minimize exposure. 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. Azzopardi 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).

Smile Town Dentistry
545 Parkside Dr
Waterloo, ON, N2L 5E7

Phone: (519) 749-9981

Dr. Paul Azzopardi is a licensed Dental Anesthesiologist 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: 96067

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=96067

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