Dr. Peter James Van Rassel

Dr. Peter James Van Rassel provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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. Rassel. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.

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

At Family Dental Office, 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. Rassel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches can cause, Dr. Rassel tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, allowing for renewed participation in activities like laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• Dr. Rassel often consults with patients whose a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident significantly limits their enjoyment of being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Rassel provides dedicated support for patients going through experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits, always aiming for positive outcomes like a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history with Dr. Rassel's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations once more.

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

Family Dental Office, where Dr. Rassel practices, is situated in the New Sudbury neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near Cambrian College and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 eligibility for programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario). Always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Family Dental Office.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Rassel at Family Dental Office?

Your first visit with Dr. Rassel 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. Rassel 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. Rassel for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Rassel will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions (e.g., some 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 is important to follow Dr. Rassel'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 also 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. Rassel 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).

Family Dental Office
463 Falconbridge Rd #3
Sudbury, ON, P3A 5N4

Phone: (705) 525-1100

Dr. Peter James Van Rassel 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: 13483

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13483

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