Dr. Aarati Balakrishnan – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Aarati Balakrishnan is a Dentist. Practicing at Bloor Smile Dental Centre in Toronto, ON, Dr. Balakrishnan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Balakrishnan 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. Balakrishnan 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. Balakrishnan 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 Bloor Smile Dental Centre.

Dr. Aarati Balakrishnan earned a Dental Degree from University Of Mumbai, graduating in 1999. With over 19 years of practice since 2006, Dr. Balakrishnan has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Balakrishnan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most effective and current treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Balakrishnan'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. Balakrishnan provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• 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.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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.

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

• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• 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.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

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

At Bloor Smile 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. Balakrishnan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event under Dr. Balakrishnan's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out without the former limitations or discomfort.
• At Dr. Balakrishnan's clinic, addressing a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Balakrishnan with concerns about an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration, making a positive and lasting return to feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Managing one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Balakrishnan and the dental team. The clear aim is always their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Bloor Smile Dental Centre, where Dr. Balakrishnan practices, is situated in the Runnymede, Swansea neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Yorkville Shopping District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Balakrishnan at Bloor Smile Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Balakrishnan 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. Balakrishnan 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.

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

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

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Balakrishnan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Balakrishnan's specific recommendation is crucial for optimal oral health.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at Bloor Smile Dental Centre with Dr. Balakrishnan?

We welcome new patients to Bloor Smile Dental Centre! To become a new patient with Dr. Balakrishnan, please call our office at (416) 604-4009 or visit our website at if online booking is available. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Does Bloor Smile Dental Centre 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Balakrishnan 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.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Balakrishnan 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).

Bloor Smile Dental Centre
2436A Bloor St W
Toronto, ON, M6S 1P9

Phone: (416) 604-4009

Dr. Aarati Balakrishnan 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: 68235

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=68235

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