Dr. Viviana Pinto – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Viviana Pinto is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Northland Dental Centre in London, ON, Dr. Pinto is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Pinto 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. Pinto 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. Pinto 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. Viviana Pinto earned a Dental Degree from Colegio Odontologico Colombiano, graduating in 1993. With over 13 years of practice since 2012, Dr. Pinto 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: N/A. Dr. Pinto is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Pinto 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 Northland Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Pinto's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Pinto provides consultations in English.

Dr. Viviana Pinto 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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.

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

At Northland 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. Pinto frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Pinto when they first notice a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues, enabling them to once again enjoy waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding without hesitation.
• A key objective when treating a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal at Dr. Pinto's welcoming dental clinic is achieving feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort.
• When their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Pinto helps patients strive for the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This makes participating in activities such as kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Dr. Pinto expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, means they can happily and comfortably get back to maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.

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

Dr. Pinto's practice, Northland Dental Centre, is situated in the Carling, Boullee neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Victoria Hospital (LHSC) and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Yes, Dr. Pinto understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Northland Dental Centre offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Pinto 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. Pinto 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Pinto at Northland Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Pinto 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. Pinto 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.

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

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

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended for most patients. Dr. Pinto 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. Pinto's specific recommendation.

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

Dr. Pinto 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.

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 or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Pinto for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Northland Dental Centre.

Northland Dental Centre
1295 Highbury Ave N #C4
London, ON, N5Y 5L3

Phone: (519) 455-2551

Dr. Viviana Pinto 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: 92346

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92346

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