About
Dr. Balsam Al-Jawad is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Maple Ridge Family Dental in London, ON, Dr. Al-Jawad is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Al-Jawad 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. Al-Jawad 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. Al-Jawad 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. Al-Jawad 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 Maple Ridge Family Dental.
Dr. Balsam Al-Jawad earned a Dental Degree from University Of Baghdad, graduating in 1987. With over 10 years of practice since 2015, Dr. Al-Jawad 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. Al-Jawad is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Al-Jawad's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Al-Jawad provides consultations in English.
Dr. Balsam Al-Jawad 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
- Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
Common Dental Issues
- Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
Special Needs Dental Care Peds
- Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
- Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Al-Jawad. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- 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.
- Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
- Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Minor surgical or laser-assisted gum reshaping to create a more balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious smile by optimizing the gingival architecture.
- Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
- Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Al-Jawad. 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. Balsam Al-Jawad adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Maple Ridge Family 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. Al-Jawad frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Dr. Al-Jawad's comprehensive care for the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding is meticulously designed to result in their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist). This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions without dental worries.
- When a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Al-Jawad helps patients strive for achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This makes participating in activities such as their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits a pleasant and possible experience again.
- 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 confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities, Dr. Al-Jawad and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues and a return to comfort and confidence.
- If a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food is preventing you from fully enjoying their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness or causing discomfort, Dr. Al-Jawad offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Al-Jawad, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Al-Jawad is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Maple Ridge Family Dental, where Dr. Al-Jawad practices, is situated in the Hamilton Road Area, Trafalgar Heights neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near the Riverbend Area and is accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- 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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Al-Jawad 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).
- 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.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Al-Jawad at Maple Ridge Family Dental?
- Your first visit with Dr. Al-Jawad 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. Al-Jawad 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. Al-Jawad?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Al-Jawad for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Maple Ridge Family Dental.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Al-Jawad for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Al-Jawad 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). Follow Dr. Al-Jawad's specific recommendation.
Maple Ridge Family Dental
1657 Dundas St E #1
London, ON, N5W 3C6
Phone: (226) 490-3683
Dr. Balsam Al-Jawad 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: 106005
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=106005
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Al-Jawad 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.