Dr. Vikhar Ahmed – Dentist | Salmon Arm, BC

Dr. Vikhar Ahmed is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Salmon Arm, BC, Dr. Ahmed is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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 the clinic.

Dr. Vikhar Ahmed earned a Dental Degree. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Ahmed has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Ahmed is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Ahmed remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Ahmed's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Ahmed is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Hindi and Urdu.

Dr. Vikhar Ahmed 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.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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 Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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. Ahmed. 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: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• 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.
• 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).
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.

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

At Dr. Vikhar Ahmed'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. Ahmed frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Ahmed's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches often find they can readily achieve feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• Effectively addressing a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially with Dr. Ahmed's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly and social interactions.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath at Dr. Ahmed's practice is consistently achieving their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• Overcoming or effectively managing experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple is a common journey for patients under Dr. Ahmed's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, so that daily routines and pleasures like enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine become straightforward again.

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

Dr. Ahmed's practice, a dental office in Salmon Arm, is situated in a central location within the Salmon Arm neighborhood of Salmon Arm. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ahmed at the clinic?

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

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 <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures in private clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered. Most dental care is paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-sponsored), or government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Ahmed will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors (cavities, gum disease), and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Ahmed's specific recommendations.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ahmed 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 – simpler cases), simple extractions, initial gum disease management, and possibly some cosmetic procedures (whitening, bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists when needed.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to see a general dentist. You can contact the clinic directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahmed.

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

Dental X-rays are 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 detect decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Ahmed determines the frequency based on your individual needs and follows guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

203-320 Alexander Street PO Box 220
Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N3

Phone: (778) 986-7165

Dr. Vikhar Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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.