Dr. Robert Anthony Vangalen

Dr. Robert Anthony Vangalen 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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. Vangalen. 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): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.
• 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.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Cosmetic gum procedures, sometimes using dental lasers or traditional surgical techniques, to precisely reshape an uneven or excessive gum line (gummy smile) or to correct minor gum recession for improved smile aesthetics and tooth proportions.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.

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

At Fifth Avenue Family 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. Vangalen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them to wellness often involves Dr. Vangalen's dedicated care. The milestone is having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures, which opens the door back to activities such as their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth, Dr. Vangalen offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.
• Dr. Vangalen often consults with patients whose an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing significantly limits their enjoyment of passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• If a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food has unfortunately put their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Vangalen works closely with patients towards attaining their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. Vangalen's practice, Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre, is situated in a central location within the Orangeville neighborhood of Orangeville. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Vangalen at Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Vangalen and the team at Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre 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 you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Vangalen will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Vangalen 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. Vangalen's specific recommendations.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Vangalen help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Vangalen can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Vangalen 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Vangalen may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Yes, Dr. Vangalen understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre offers various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Vangalen during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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. 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. Vangalen 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).

Fifth Avenue Family Dental Centre
75 Fifth Ave
Orangeville, ON, L9W 1G3

Phone: (519) 941-5801

Dr. Robert Anthony Vangalen 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: 12174

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12174

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