Dr. Harsimrat Kaur Birgi

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

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.

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

At Blue Heron Dental Group, 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. Birgi frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Birgi's practice, a key objective is their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Birgi about recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit is to attain their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Birgi with concerns about wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, making a positive and lasting return to knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Effectively addressing a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing with Dr. Birgi's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities and social interactions.

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

Dr. Birgi's practice, Blue Heron Dental Group, is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Library and Archives Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Blue Heron Dental Group.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Birgi for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Blue Heron Dental Group.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Birgi at Blue Heron Dental Group?

Your first visit with Dr. Birgi 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. Birgi 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Birgi 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Birgi 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. Birgi'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/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Birgi are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Birgi may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

Does Blue Heron Dental Group 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.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Birgi 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).

Blue Heron Dental Group
1500 Bank St #102
Ottawa, ON, K1H 7Z2

Phone: (613) 739-1616

Dr. Harsimrat Kaur Birgi 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: 121952

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=121952

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