Dr. Roger Avila Ricardo – Dentist | Etobicoke, ON

Dr. Roger Avila Ricardo is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Kipling/Dixon Dentist in Etobicoke, ON, Dr. Ricardo is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ricardo 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. Ricardo 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. Ricardo 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. Roger Avila Ricardo earned a Dental Degree from Higher Institute Of Medicine, graduating in 1996. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Ricardo 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. Ricardo is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Ricardo 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 Kipling/Dixon Dentist.

Key aspects of Dr. Ricardo's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Ricardo provides consultations in English.

Dr. Roger Avila Ricardo provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.

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.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

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

At Kipling/Dixon Dentist, 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. Ricardo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence is preventing you from fully enjoying their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection or causing discomfort, Dr. Ricardo offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• If concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly has unfortunately put travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Ricardo works closely with patients towards attaining their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Ricardo when they first notice their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic, enabling them to once again enjoy their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues without hesitation.
• For individuals troubled by the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding, Dr. Ricardo's approach is focused on delivering an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath with a healthier smile.

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

Kipling/Dixon Dentist, where Dr. Ricardo practices, is situated in a central location within the Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke. 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Ricardo typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Ricardo is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include some cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening or bonding). Dr. Ricardo also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs. They 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. Ricardo at Kipling/Dixon Dentist?

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Ricardo will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., 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 important to follow Dr. Ricardo's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to see a general dentist. You can contact Kipling/Dixon Dentist directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ricardo.

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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Ricardo offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Ricardo focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Ricardo will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

Dr. Ricardo and our team at Kipling/Dixon Dentist are committed to making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. To help manage anxiety, Dr. Ricardo may offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Ricardo during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Kipling/Dixon Dentist
1723 Kipling Ave #3
Etobicoke, ON, M9R 4E1

Phone: (416) 248-0045

Dr. Roger Avila Ricardo 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: 76843

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=76843

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