Dr. Santa Rabi

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

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

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.

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

At West Side Dental, 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. Rabi frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral) is preventing you from fully enjoying their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain or causing discomfort, Dr. Rabi offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Dr. Rabi's comprehensive care for their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention is meticulously designed to result in their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life without dental worries.
• When wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems, Dr. Rabi and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment and a return to comfort and confidence.
• A key objective when treating wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation at Dr. Rabi's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.

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

West Side Dental, where Dr. Rabi practices, is situated in a central location within the Port Colborne neighborhood of Port Colborne. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Rabi 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). Dr. Rabi also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. They 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 ON, 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 your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at West Side Dental.

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. Rabi 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).

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Rabi will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and 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). Follow Dr. Rabi's specific recommendation.

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

Yes, Dr. Rabi understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, West Side Dental may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Rabi during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Rabi at West Side Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Rabi 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. Rabi 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.

West Side Dental
204 West Side Rd
Port Colborne, ON, L3K 5K7

Phone: (905) 835-2811

Dr. Santa Rabi 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: 116947

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=116947

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