Dr. Rabindranath Vikram Balaram

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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 Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.

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

At Plaza 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. Balaram frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food to wellness often involves Dr. Balaram's dedicated care. The milestone is a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite, which opens the door back to activities such as enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods is a common journey for patients under Dr. Balaram's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues, so that daily routines and pleasures like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them become straightforward again.
• If a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients is preventing you from fully enjoying attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped or causing discomfort, Dr. Balaram offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Understanding the frustration a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable can cause, Dr. Balaram tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.

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

Plaza Dental Centre, where Dr. Balaram practices, is situated in the Richmond, Adelaide, King (Entertainment District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Harbourfront Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Balaram 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, inlays, onlays), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Balaram also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists when more complex needs arise.

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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Balaram 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).

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

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

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

Your first visit with Dr. Balaram 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. Balaram will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if 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. Balaram for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Balaram will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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., those 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. Balaram's specific recommendation.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Balaram are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Balaram may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

Plaza Dental Centre
40 King St W PO Box 111
Toronto, ON, M5H 3Y2

Phone: (416) 861-9990

Dr. Rabindranath Vikram Balaram 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: 68399

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=68399

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