Dr. Nicholas J. Bal – Dentist | Oakville, ON

Dr. Nicholas J. Bal is a Dentist. Practicing at Lakeshore Woods Dental Care in Oakville, ON, Dr. Bal is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Bal is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Bal 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. Bal 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 Lakeshore Woods Dental Care.

Dr. Nicholas J. Bal earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2005. With over 20 years of practice since 2005, Dr. Bal has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Bal is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures patients receive the most current and effective treatment options.

Key aspects of Dr. Bal's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Bal provides consultations in English.

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

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: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

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.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At Lakeshore Woods Dental Care, 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. Bal frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing to wellness often involves Dr. Bal's dedicated care. The milestone is their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, which opens the door back to activities such as their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• Dr. Bal expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, means they can happily and comfortably get back to resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close, involves working systematically towards transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. Dr. Bal expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child participating happily in school photos and social activities.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Bal about a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them is to attain their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.

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

Lakeshore Woods Dental Care, where Dr. Bal practices, is situated in the Bronte West neighborhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Oakville and is accessible via Oakville Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Lakeshore Woods Dental Care.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bal at Lakeshore Woods Dental Care?

Your first visit with Dr. Bal 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. Bal 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. Bal for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Bal 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, while others might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Bal's specific recommendation.

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 diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Bal 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. Bal?

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

Lakeshore Woods Dental Care
3420 Rebecca St Unit 8&9
Oakville, ON, L6L 6W2

Phone: (905) 469-6072

Dr. Nicholas J. Bal 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: 65229

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=65229

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