Dr. Walter Peracchia – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Walter Peracchia is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Peracchia Dentistry in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Peracchia is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Peracchia 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. Peracchia 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. Peracchia 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. Peracchia 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 Peracchia Dentistry.

Dr. Walter Peracchia earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1990. With over 35 years of practice since 1990, Dr. Peracchia 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. Peracchia is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Peracchia remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Peracchia's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Peracchia provides consultations in English.

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

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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

• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
• 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.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• 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 Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.

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

At Peracchia Dentistry, 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. Peracchia frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where 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 a primary concern, Dr. Peracchia focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• With Dr. Peracchia's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces is focused on achieving their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage without dental concerns.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem with Dr. Peracchia's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection once more.
• Patients presenting with their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother under Dr. Peracchia's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Peracchia Dentistry is situated in the Grantham, Port Weller neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Course and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Peracchia 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).

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

Yes, Dr. Peracchia understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Peracchia Dentistry offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Peracchia during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

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

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). Always check your private dental insurance and eligibility for any potential public coverage before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Peracchia is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 may offer cosmetic procedures. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Peracchia 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. Peracchia at Peracchia Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, expect a medical history review, discussion of dental issues/goals, a detailed examination, and possibly digital X-rays. Dr. Peracchia will explain their assessment and recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Does Peracchia Dentistry offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Peracchia will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Follow Dr. Peracchia's specific recommendation.

Peracchia Dentistry
427 Niagara St
St. Catharines, ON, L2M 4W4

Phone: (905) 646-7600

Dr. Walter Peracchia 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: 11646

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11646

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