Dr. Vikram Chugh – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Vikram Chugh is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Martindale Dental Clinic in St. Catharines, ON, Dr. Chugh is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chugh 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. Chugh 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. Chugh also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. Chugh 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 Martindale Dental Clinic.

Dr. Vikram Chugh earned a Dental Degree from Baba Farid University Of Health Sciences, graduating in 2012. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Chugh offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Chugh is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chugh's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Chugh provides consultations in English.

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

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: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Artistic application and sculpting of tooth-coloured composite resin directly onto teeth to repair chips, close small gaps (diastemas), improve tooth shape, lengthen teeth, or cover discolouration, typically completed in a single dental visit.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.

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

At Martindale Dental Clinic, 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. Chugh frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Chugh's practice, a key objective is their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Chugh about a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture is to attain achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
• If a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection has unfortunately put kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chugh works closely with patients towards attaining feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Effectively addressing experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits with Dr. Chugh's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work and social interactions.

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

Martindale Dental Clinic, where Dr. Chugh practices, is situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Core and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chugh 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. Chugh's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chugh at Martindale Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Chugh 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. Chugh 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.

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). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Martindale Dental Clinic.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chugh 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).

Martindale Dental Clinic
100 Martindale Rd #1
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 2Y3

Phone: (905) 988-9004

Dr. Vikram Chugh 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: 501895

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501895

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