Dr. Matthew Balenko

Dr. Matthew Balenko 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.

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

• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.

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

At Liberty Dental Centre, 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. Balenko frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect has unfortunately put their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Balenko works closely with patients towards attaining their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• If waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Balenko develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.
• Dr. Balenko understands that dealing with a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation, helping patients comfortably get back to their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain and feeling their best.
• Dr. Balenko provides dedicated support for patients going through wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.

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

Liberty Dental Centre, where Dr. Balenko practices, is situated in a central location within the Bowmanville neighborhood of Bowmanville. 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. Balenko at Liberty Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Balenko and the team at Liberty Dental Centre will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Balenko will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Balenko 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, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Balenko's specific recommendations.

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. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. 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 essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance before treatment.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist like Dr. Balenko. You can contact Liberty Dental Centre directly to arrange your visit.

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

Yes, Dr. Balenko understands that dental anxiety is common. To help you feel more comfortable, Liberty Dental Centre offers various sedation options, which may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety with Dr. Balenko during your consultation so the most appropriate and safest sedation approach can be determined for your needs and the planned procedure.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Balenko will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, following guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Balenko provides primary dental care for all ages. Services include 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 include cosmetic procedures like whitening. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists when needed. Dr. Balenko may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Liberty Dental Centre
60 Liberty St S #300
Bowmanville, ON, L1C 2N5

Phone: (905) 623-7100

Dr. Matthew Balenko 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: 118055

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=118055

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