Dr. Komal Challa Mahalingam

Dr. Komal Challa Mahalingam 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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• 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.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.

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

At Dr. Komal Challa Mahalingam'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. Mahalingam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them? Dr. Mahalingam partners with patients to target their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes a much more achievable reality.
• For patients where a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain is a primary concern, Dr. Mahalingam focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Mahalingam with concerns about a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, making a positive and lasting return to confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Managing a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Mahalingam and the dental team. The clear aim is always their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Dr. Mahalingam's practice, a dental office in Comox, is situated in a central location within the Comox neighborhood of Comox. 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mahalingam at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Mahalingam 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. Mahalingam 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.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Mahalingam 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. It is crucial to follow Dr. Mahalingam's specific recommendations for 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 used to further minimize any potential exposure. 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. Mahalingam 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).

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

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

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

In British Columbia, 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 might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may also cover dental care for eligible individuals, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It's essential to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

301-1757 Beaufort Ave
Comox, BC, V9M 1R8

Phone: (250) 818-3931

Dr. Komal Challa Mahalingam 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. Mahalingam 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.