Dr. Nahae Kim – Dentist | Courtenay, BC

Dr. Nahae Kim is a Dentist. Practicing at North Island Dental in Courtenay, BC, Dr. Kim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim 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 North Island Dental.

Dr. Nahae Kim earned a Dental Degree. With over 2 years of practice since 2023, Dr. Kim has gained valuable clinical experience. Dr. Kim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Kim remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Kim's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Kim is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Korean.

Dr. Nahae Kim 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

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.

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

At North Island Dental, 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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Kim's comprehensive care for waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding is meticulously designed to result in the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing without dental worries.
• If one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Kim develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• Dr. Kim understands that dealing with a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, helping patients comfortably get back to showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion and feeling their best.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Kim about their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed is to attain their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.

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

North Island Dental, where Dr. Kim practices, is situated in the Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Courtenay and is accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at North Island Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kim and the team at North Island Dental 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. Kim will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kim 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). Dr. Kim also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact North Island Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kim.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Kim will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendation.

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

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some specific, 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, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using 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). Dr. Kim will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

North Island Dental
2525 Mission Rd #1120
Courtenay, BC, V9N 9H1

Phone: (250) 897-8447

Dr. Nahae Kim 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. Kim 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.