Dr. Gabor Balogh – Dentist | Salt Spring Island, BC

Dr. Gabor Balogh is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Salt Spring Island, BC, Dr. Balogh is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Balogh 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. Balogh 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. Balogh 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. Gabor Balogh earned a Dental Degree. With over 37 years of practice since 1988, Dr. Balogh has accumulated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Balogh 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. Balogh's dedication to professional excellence and staying at the forefront of advancements in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Balogh's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Balogh is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Hungarian.

Dr. Gabor Balogh 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

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

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): 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.

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.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.

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

At Dr. Gabor Balogh'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. Balogh frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history is a common journey for patients under Dr. Balogh's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation, so that daily routines and pleasures like their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance become straightforward again.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention, Dr. Balogh offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.
• With Dr. Balogh's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth is focused on achieving their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly without dental concerns.
• For patients where wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age is a primary concern, Dr. Balogh focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.

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

Dr. Balogh's practice, a dental office in Salt Spring Island, is situated in a central location within the Salt Spring Island neighborhood of Salt Spring Island. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, a referral from your general dentist, like Dr. Balogh, is often recommended or required by the specialist or your insurance provider. A referral ensures the specialist has necessary background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Balogh determines you need specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Always check with the specialist's office or your insurance provider if you are unsure.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes reviewing 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. Balogh will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Balogh.

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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Balogh will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and risk factors, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Balogh will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Balogh's specific recommendations.

2201-115 Fulford Ganges Rd
Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2T9

Phone: (250) 537-1616

Dr. Gabor Balogh 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. Balogh 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.