Dr. Elizabeth Anne Kovalcik – Dentist | Salmon Arm, BC

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Kovalcik is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Salmon Arm, BC, Dr. Kovalcik is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kovalcik is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. Dr. Kovalcik 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. Kovalcik 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 the clinic.

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Kovalcik earned a Dental Degree. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Kovalcik has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Kovalcik is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Kovalcik's dedication to professional excellence and the pursuit of advanced knowledge within the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Kovalcik's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Kovalcik provides consultations in English.

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Kovalcik 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

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kovalcik. 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. Elizabeth Anne Kovalcik adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Elizabeth Anne Kovalcik's practice, 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. Kovalcik frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Kovalcik develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• Are you struggling with their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities? Dr. Kovalcik partners with patients to target experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings a much more achievable reality.
• When a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing, Dr. Kovalcik and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Effectively addressing a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident with Dr. Kovalcik's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain and social interactions.

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

Dr. Kovalcik's practice, a dental office in Salmon Arm, is situated in a central location within the Salmon Arm neighborhood of Salmon Arm. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Kovalcik will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Kovalcik's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Kovalcik will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kovalcik is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, 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 like whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact the clinic directly to arrange a visit with Dr. Kovalcik.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kovalcik at the clinic?

Your first visit will begin with completing a medical history form. Dr. Kovalcik will then discuss any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Based on this assessment, Dr. Kovalcik will explain their findings and any recommended treatments. It's a great opportunity to ask questions.

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

Dr. Kovalcik and our team are committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible. While we may not offer extensive in-house sedation options, please discuss your anxiety with Dr. Kovalcik. They can explore various comfort measures and relaxation techniques, and if necessary, can refer you to a colleague or specialist who provides sedation services.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting may be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families). Always verify your coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

135B-1151 10 Ave SW
Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 1T3

Phone: (250) 832-3626

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Kovalcik is a licensed Dentist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

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