Tag Archive for: dentist

Being a Dentist on Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive is one of Vancouver’s most culturally rich and authentic neighbourhoods. Also known as The Drive – is one of the most recognizable neighbourhoods in Vancouver. The Drive boasts Vancouver’s 8 blocks that’s designated “Little Italy”, representing 60+ years of Italian heritage in Vancouver. Day or evening, The Drive offers 22 full blocks of 300+ distinct merchants,  restaurants, parks, and a vibrant live music and bar scene. Commercial Drive is a one of a kind experience.

EastVan Dental on Commerical Drive

Our Dentists and dental professionals love treating dental patients here. When you have such a vibrant community, you also have people from all walks of life. From hipsters, environmentalist, coffee-lovers, and more – it’s never a dull moment working in “Little Italy”.

Lunch Breaks

Our Dental Office on Commercial Drive runs through the center of the neighbourhood, which means we are lucky to enjoy all the amenities “Little Italy” has to offer. We find ourselves with a coffee in hand at lunch just strolling up and down Commercial Drive chatting it up with the locals.

There’s something refreshing chatting with strangers.

Vancouver without the hustle and bustle

Dental patients on Commercial Drive seem to enjoy the little moments more. Nothing is rushed, everything is done with patience and care. That’s how our dentists like it – never rushing our work. Taking every moment to make sure our patients feel at ease while having the utmost care.

Being a Patient at East Van Dental

If the environment described above is something you look for in a dentist, please join our dental family. We never turn away a patient in need. Plus, we’re always running some sort of dental promotion. Give us a call or just simply drop-in. We’re a very casual dental office.

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What to Expect After Oral Surgery

You’ve just gone under the knife and probably just regained all your senses. Don’t panic, just let your body work itself out. You may feel pain, it’s normal. Below are some common questions people have after oral surgery.

How do I keep my mouth clean after surgery?

Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8oz of warm water) every 4 hours. Brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery.

How long does the swelling last and what can I do to ease the pain?

Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. So don’t panic! It reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts roughly 4 to 6 days. Applying ice packs over the area of surgery for the first 12 hours helps control swelling and may help the area to be more comfortable.

How much bleeding after oral surgery is normal?

Some blood will ooze from the area of surgery and is completely normal. You may find a blood stain on your pillow in the morning, so it is advisable to use an old pillowcase the first night.

Do not spit or suck thick fluids through a straw, because this promotes bleeding. If bleeding begins again, place a small gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for 60 minutes. If you don’t have any, an unused tea bag is an excellent alternative. Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.

Should I be worried about the bruising?

Mild bruising in the area of your surgery is a normal response in some people and should not be a cause for alarm. It will disappear in seven to 14 days.

What kinds of post-off problems should I call the office after my oral surgery?

  • You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with your pain pills.
  • You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting on gauze.
  • You have increased swelling after the third day following your surgery.
  • You feel that you have a fever.
  • You have any questions.

When in doubt, just give East Van Dental a call. We’ll be happy to ease your mind!

My jaw is stiff after the oral surgery, is it normal?

After surgery you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited opening of your mouth, This is normal and will improve in five to ten days.

Can I smoke after oral surgery?

Recent studies have indicated that tobacco smoke delays soft tissue healing! The toxic constituents of cigarette smoke—particularly nicotine, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide—suggest potential mechanisms that may undermine timely healing;

  • Smoking causes blood vessels to tighten up. This decreases blood flow to the healing area. With less blood, its harder for damaged tissues to get the nutrients and oxygen they need to heal properly.
  • Smoking decreases the level of oxygen in the blood. Healing tissues need plenty of oxygen, but they don’t get if you’re a smoker.
  • Smoking decreases the formation of collagen. Collagen is the main protein in connective tissue that is needed for a wound to heal properly.
  • Smoking increases scar tissue formation. By limiting the migration of fibroblasts – the most common type of cell found in connective tissue – to the wounded area. This leads to an accumulation of these cells at the edge of the wound.
  • Smoking increases the level of hydrogen cyanide in the bloodstream. This makes it harder for chemicals in the body to transport oxygen from cell to cell – an action that is necessary for healing.

If you have further questions that we didn’t address in this article, please call East Van Dental and we’ll be happy to address your question.

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Facts vs. Myths: Misconceptions about Dental Health?

Without a doubt, the biggest misconception the public has about dental health is that the effects of dental diseases are limited only to the teeth and gums. It can and does negatively impact the overall health of the body. Yet, as destructive as dental disease can be, most people, including many dentists and physicians, still believe that the damage it does is limited to the oral cavity. But the fact is that numerous scientific studies no longer support that long-held assumption.

Are Amalgam (Silver) Fillings Safe?

vancouver silver fillings

No, they are not safe because elemental mercury makes up 50% of an amalgam filling and it continuously releases mercury vapor – much more (as you will see) when it is stimulated by many common actions, such as tooth brushing, grinding and eating. Eighty percent of the mercury released enters the body and every atom of mercury that enters it is harmful.

Mercury is the most poisonous, naturally occurring, non-radioactive substance on our planet. The World Health Organization, WHO, says there is no safe level of mercury and has stated that amalgam fillings are the greatest single source of mercury exposure, surpassing fish and other sources of mercury. Three European countries, Norway, Denmark and Sweden have permanently banned amalgam fillings and they can no longer be used as a filling material.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a ceiling limit of 100mcg/Hg/m3 (micrograms/mercury/cubic meter of air) for facilities using elemental mercury. If the levels of mercury vapor in the building reach 100mcg/Hg/m3 the employees have to leave as it is considered toxic and unsafe for employees. (Just one microgram of mercury contains 3 trillion atoms of it.) Yet the simple act of brushing just one amalgam filling can release more than 250mcg/Hg/m3. This can never be considered a small amount and this is just from one tooth!

Bleeding gums is normal. It happens to everyone!

vancouver bleeding gums

FACT: Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease, which means there’s nothing normal about it. It only means that you haven’t visited your dentist for quite some time now and that a lot of calculus (hard deposits stuck on your teeth) have already accumulated, making your gums swell and bleed. Gum disease if left untreated may cause the loss of your teeth.

I brush properly, I don’t need to floss.

FACT: Wrong. Brushing cleans only 65% of your teeth. What about the other 35%? These are the surfaces in between your teeth which the toothbrush cannot reach (even if you use ultra-thin bristles). Only a dental floss can remove food debris stuck in those areas. Neglecting to floss (which you should do at least every night) may lead to cavities you won’t even notice because…yes, you guessed it right..they are formed in between your teeth and can be detected only by dental x-rays.

It’s just baby teeth..it will be replaced anyway. No need for my kid to see the dentist.

FACT: Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth. A lot of parents are misinformed about this. Imagine your child experiencing severe toothache just because you haven’t brought him/her to the dentist before. Cavities on baby teeth should be filled and restored before they lead to a toothache or infection. They also play a big role in guiding the erupting permanent teeth to the right position. If a baby tooth is removed too early (might be due to severe decay), the space for the erupting permanent tooth is usually lost resulting in misalignment.

Dentist = Pain

FACT: So many people are afraid of the dental office. Dental phobia is a common reason why patients don’t go to their appointments. They always associate the dentist as to someone who inflicts pain…a lot of it. Well, this is not true. Most routine dental procedures such as scaling, polishing, and tooth fillings can be done without anesthesia. Though some might experience some sensitivity and discomfort, these procedures are often well-tolerated.

Well-aligned teeth have only an aesthetic value.

FACT: A beautiful smile can boost a person’s confidence at any stage in his/her life. But, having straight teeth also means an easier-to-maintain good oral hygiene which is a habit we all want to develop at an early age. When there’s crowding of the teeth, some surfaces (the overlapping parts) are not brushed properly, eventually leading to gum disease and/or tooth decay. In addition, correction of a bad bite produces an even distribution of biting forces on all the teeth, reducing the risk of trauma to the jaw joints as compared to someone whose teeth do not occlude properly or do not touch at all (open bite). Getting an orthodontic assessment from your dentist will determine if you have a malocclusion that needs correcting.

Dental scaling will abrade my teeth.

FACT: Everything done in excess is bad for you. Dental scaling and polishing if done at the right intervals will not do any damage to your teeth. This interval is usually 6 months apart unless otherwise recommended by your dental clinic. Patients who are prone to gum disease may need to see their dental health practitioner every 3-4 months.

It’s alright to wear my dentures 24/7.

FACT: Removing your dentures before going to bed at night is recommended. This lets your gums breathe from the constant pressure of the dentures. It also gives you the opportunity to care for your dentures by soaking them in a denture cleaning solution. Dentures if left unclean might become home to a lot of bacteria causing sores and irritation to the gums and palate.

Dental treatments cost a fortune.

FACT: The only reason you will have to spend so much on a dental treatment is that you didn’t take care of your teeth as much as you should have. As the old saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. Neglect, or rather, the result of neglect is always costlier than the routine dental appointments that pop up on your calendar twice a year.

What do the Dentists Say?

We gathered some quotes from dentists practicing in BC to see what they think. You can see their comments below.

Dr. Siavash Alam

The biggest misconceptions in dentistry are: “There is only a problem if I have pain” and “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” There’s often no pain associated with oral cancer, endodontic problems (tooth pulp), and periodontal disease (gum disease). The other problem is that many patients are afraid to take X-rays. Often, the only way to diagnose a dental problem is with an X-ray.

Dr. Alexandra Hunter

People take their teeth for granted. Good dental health doesn’t just happen. Many of us need to take simple steps on a regular basis — steps like brushing, flossing, and minimizing the frequency and volume of the sugars that we consume. Others have a harder time simply because of genetics, traumatic events, congenital problems, or systemic diseases. But whatever the personal situation, the simple fact remains that each individual needs to truly consider the importance of their teeth for appearance, for speech, and for eating. Without teeth, we truly are handicapped. Developing the right habits and following them regularly will help each individual maintain his teeth and oral health for a lifetime.

Dr. Komal Dhir

The biggest misconception is that teeth do not affect your body and overall health. Digestion begins in the mouth with the chewing of food. Teeth and your oral cavity are a vital part of your health.

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Oral Health in East Vancouver: Which Symptoms Shouldn’t be Ignored?

No oral symptom should be ignored – ever! Every oral health symptom is a warning that something abnormal is happening in the oral cavity and, if that warning isn’t heeded, it could lead to something far more serious. The important thing to be aware of here is that what happens in the mouth is not just limited to the teeth and gums – and far too many people aren’t aware of that fact. Because many oral health issues, such as gum disease and infected root canals, can dramatically affect overall health, not to pay attention to the early oral warning signs is to literally put your overall health at risk. So let’s look at some of the more common oral symptoms you should know about.

Pain – pain of any kind; mild, moderate, severe, occasional, sharp, aching, dull, deep – is not normal and is an indication that something is wrong, possibly seriously wrong. Pain can be an indicator of decay, a possible root canal infection, an abscess, a jaw infection, or gum disease. Pain is a wake-up call and even if it goes away you should make an appointment and have it diagnosed by a dentist. (Exceptions to this is if you bite your tongue or lip, or eat something that is too hot and burns your lips or palate.)

Sensitivity – to heat, cold, acidic foods, even brushing is another warning sign that should not go unattended. It can indicate decay, exposed root surfaces due to gum recession, a leaky filling, and even gum disease.

Bleeding – a little, a lot, occasionally, consistently, only when brushing or flossing and eating, or for no apparent reason – isn’t normal and never should be considered to be so. Bleeding is usually an indicator of gum disease but can indicate other oral problems, such as an abscess. As with any oral symptom, the determination of its cause and severity should always be done by a dentist. Self-diagnosis should never be attempted by the patient nor should the dental appointment be put off.

bleeding gums vancouver

Swelling – any lumps, or bumps, ridges, pimples, or any other type of swelling – anywhere in the oral cavity (lips, gums, or any other area of the mouth and face) is definitely a warning signal. There could be many causes of this and only the dentist can diagnose it. This should be dealt with ASAP.

Ulcerations and Discolorations – any ulceration, discoloration, redness, or sore spot on the lips, tongue, inside of the mouth, face or neck must be considered as not normal and checked out by a dentist, especially if it doesn’t resolve itself within 10 days to two-weeks. (For example, an ulceration such as herpes may show up suddenly, heal itself within two-weeks and may not need to be treated by a dentist.) There could be many causes to consider, some benign but others could be much more serious. This is not a symptom to put off until tomorrow!

Loss of Feeling – loss of feeling in any area of your mouth or face can be cause for concern as it could indicate nerve damage. This must be looked at by a dentist immediately.

Persistent Coughing or Difficulty in Swallowing – Either, or both, of these symptoms could be related to an oral health issue but could also be an indicator of a more serious medical issue. This should be dealt with by a dentist or a health practitioner if it persists for more than a week and there doesn’t seem to be an obvious cause, such as a cold.

Other Diseases of the Mouth – There are over 20 other health/medical issues whose early signs and symptoms can be found in the oral cavity. These can range from a drug reaction to serious cancers, such as oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and leukemia. Any of the symptoms listed above could also be related to a medical problem and you should be acutely aware that any oral symptom, whether listed here or not, that appears and stays should be examined by a dentist and if necessary referred to the proper medical specialist. Early detection of these signs is also the reason why everyone, even if free of dental disease, should have a complete oral examination at least once a year.

Oral Health Problems without Symptoms

Please don’t think that if you don’t have an oral symptom you don’t have an oral problem! There are also a number of oral health problems that can exist even before a recognizable symptom appears. Far too many people believe that they couldn’t possibly have an existing oral problem if an observable symptom doesn’t manifest itself. This belief has led to an untold number of dental emergencies that could have easily been avoided by regular dental check-ups. The main thing to consider here is that many oral health problems may reach a serious stage before a symptom appears, such as pain.

For example, in many people decay can progress deeper into the tooth before pain shows up. So can gum disease and an infected root canal, even an abscess. Thus, while you should be aware of the various signs and symptoms of oral problems – if you wait for them to appear you could be putting your teeth and overall health at risk – unnecessarily.

Of course if a symptom appears, or whether it comes and goes, or seems to have gone away (however minor you think it is), you must schedule an appointment to have it professionally diagnosed and treated. If you are one of the tens of millions who haven’t had regular dental check-ups you cannot afford to wait until an emergency situation is created. For those of you who have put off regular dental treatment –  for whatever reason – the only way you are going to be able to know what is going on in your mouth and catch something before it becomes serious, is to schedule an examination with the dentist.

Prevention – Prevention – Prevention

People find many reasons for putting off going to the dentist. Fear, no time, the expense, and a host of other seemingly legitimate reasons. Yet there is no doubt that no matter what excuse you use, the longer you put off a dental examination, or treatment for any existing problems, the more it will end up costing you in time, suffering and money! Given the direct relationship of oral health to overall health – the medical costs incurred because of untreated oral health issues will only add to the total cost. There can be no doubt; ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!’

Do your mouth a  favour and book an appointment with EastVan Dental Clinic where our highly skilled dental professionals can examine your oral cavity and make recommendations so you can have a healthier mouth. East Vancouver Dental Clinic is located on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, BC. Call us at: (604) 251-4000 to schedule your next dental appointment.

Educational Video for your Kids

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Top 10 Dental Questions You Should Ask

From a very early age, you’re encouraged to ask questions – to parents, in school and especially in the dentist’s office. But when in medical environments, asking dental questions is an important part of your long-term healthcare. Here are 10 you should ask.

1. How Can I Improve the Whiteness of My Teeth?

A beautiful smile showing clean, white teeth give a tremendous boost to your confidence. Most people experience some discoloration of teeth over the years, either from surface or extrinsic stains or internal ones. Treat stains caused by coffee, wine, tobacco and pigmented foods with at-home whitening or have a professional, in-office whitening done regularly. For intrinsic discoloration, consider composite bonding or the application of veneers to the affected teeth, which provides a more permanent solution.

Professional, in-office teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world today. Unlike home-use systems that incorporate low-dose bleaching agents, in-office whitening takes place under carefully monitored conditions which allow for the safe, controlled, pain-free use of a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel – yielding results that are visible immediately.

2. How Often Should I Get a Dental Checkup?

Dental health varies from person to person, but the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends adult patients visit a dentist twice a year even if their mouth is in excellent condition. This enables you to get your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis and ensure that any potential problems are identified early.

Having to visit the dentist every six months may not be the appointment that everyone looks forward to, but it is one of the most important ones to keep. If you have found yourself wondering what the point of having regular dental checkups and cleanings really is, we’ve got something for you to think about.

If you are considering skipping a dental checkup because of cost or another factor like time or dental anxiety, make sure to consider all the risks. What you might end up paying in the long run for not visiting your dentist will likely be much higher, both for your wallet and your peace of mind.

3. What Are the Best Ways to Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?

It’s vital that all adults engage in daily brushing and flossing, but to take your oral hygiene to the next level, follow a handful of particular steps to good dental health. These include:

  • Using products that contain fluoride.
  • Limiting snacks that are high in sugar.
  • Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoiding tobacco in any form.

4. Why Should I Have Dental X-Rays Taken?

Your dentist takes a full set of dental X-rays early into the doctor-patient relationship. This helps to examine and record your mouth’s hidden areas for issues that need comparing against changes that occur between appointments. Most adult patients have bitewing X-rays every year and a full mouth series every four to five years. But those with a higher risk for dental caries problems may need them every six to 18 months.

Dental x-rays are a common diagnostic procedure that is considered extremely safe. Digital dental x-rays have very low doses of radiation, producing just a fraction of what you are exposed to in other imaging procedures. If you’re worried about whether you need dental x-rays, or wondering if you should forego this procedure due to other medical conditions, it’s helpful to dive a little deeper into what dental x-rays involve, why they’re performed, and how they’re best handled.

When these x-rays are performed properly with adequate safety precautions in place, there’s very little cause for concern. A routine examination with four bitewing x-rays exposes you to roughly the same amount of radiation you will experience during one to two hours on an airplane.

5. How Do I Prevent Tooth Decay, Gingivitis and Other Problems?

The best way to ensure a healthy mouth is to follow a balanced diet and visit the dentist regularly – while maintaining your oral care routine twice a day. Conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS can also affect your dental health, as well as medications and certain types of chemotherapy. Protect yourself against problems that can advance quickly by discussing these dental questions with your practitioner.

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day: You should brush your teeth each morning and night, no exceptions. Teeth brushing is vital to prevent excessive plaque build-up that leads to cavities and periodontal disease. Use a manual or electric brush with soft bristles to gently brush the outer surfaces of your upper and lower arches, the inside surfaces of teeth, and the top chewing surfaces of teeth. Use up and down motions and take your time to carefully reach all areas.

  2. Use anti-bacterial mouthwash: The sugars and starches in your foods and beverages react with the bacteria in your saliva to form an acid that erodes your tooth enamel. Anti-bacterial mouthwash helps manage the bacteria levels in your mouth.

  3. Floss your teeth daily: Flossing is an effective way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.Teeth brushing only does so much to clean your teeth. Flossing is essential to clean the small crevices, spaces between teeth and the gum line of food particles that lead to cavities and gum inflammation.

  4. Strengthen your enamel with fluoride products: Tooth enamel is your tooth’s natural defense, an outer protective layer. When the enamel wears away, your tooth becomes susceptible to cavities. Fluoride products like fluoridated water, fluoride treatment or fluoride toothpaste help prevent cavities.

6. What Is Tooth Sensitivity and Why Do I Have It?

Patients with tooth sensitivity feel pain when they consume items that are hot or cold, sweet or acidic. This comes from thinned tooth enamel, which doesn’t protect the tooth pulp or dentin from exposure to extreme temperatures. In some patients, this may be a result of:

  • Receding gums
  • Tooth grinding during sleep
  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Tooth whitening
  • Orthodontics and fillings

Your dentist will examine the affected teeth and recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.

7. Why Should I Consider Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing or weakened teeth. Most adult patients are good candidates for implants because they can help to prevent the remaining teeth from moving or loosening as a result. Implants are permanent and serve as a good alternative to dentures for anyone with an otherwise healthy mouth and jaw.

A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is attached to the implant. The implant acts as an anchor to hold the replacement tooth in place.

8. Should I Use Mouthwash Regularly?

Cosmetic mouthwashes are aimed at freshening breath and maintaining a healthy color, but they contain fluoride to help fight cavities as well. Therapeutic rinses can also treat conditions such as gingivitis, tooth sensitivity and inflammation caused by chemotherapy. For more advanced conditions, prescription mouthwashes often contain chlorhexidine gluconate to kill bacteria that cause bleeding, inflammation and the formation of plaque.

Mouthwash is not recommended for children younger than 6 years of age.  Swallowing reflexes may not be well developed in children this young, and they may swallow large amounts of the mouthwash, which can trigger adverse events—like nausea, vomiting, and intoxication (due to the alcohol content in some rinses). Check the product label for specific precautions and age recommendations.

9. At What Age Should My Child First See a Dentist?

Studies show children can develop their first cavities by two years old, so the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends booking the first visit once their first tooth erupts – or, at the latest, their first birthday. This helps your dentist catch potential problems that can affect the child’s overall health and well-being as more teeth erupt over time.

10. When Do Their Baby Teeth Typically Fall Out?

Most children begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of six and eight, and they typically fall out in roughly the same order in which they erupted. Keep in mind that all patients are different. Children’s and adult’s oral condition depends on how long they’ve gone without an appointment, how long your kids’ baby teeth last and even some things to which you are naturally more sensitive. With these questions queued up, you’ll never be in doubt as to the state of your mouth’s health.

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How to Search for a Vancouver Dentist

Vancouver is a big city and there are 100’s of dentists available to serve all your dental needs. Take your time choosing a dentist; don’t wait for an emergency! There are several things to consider when looking for a dentist.

1. Location and office hours

Choose a dentist close to home or work. This will prevent you from saying “It’s too far, or I just don’t have time”. Therefore will make it easier to schedule visits and to arrive on time. Also, make sure that the dental office is open on the days and at the times when you are able to schedule an appointment. There are also dentists who do emergency dental work. We find that those dentists are the ones that care most for their patients.

Our patient-centered dental clinic is open 7 days a week. We know you have a busy life, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to make sure our office is available when you are.

2. Cost

Does the dentist accept your insurance? Does the dentist offer multiple payment options (credit cards, personal checks, payment plans)? If your insurance plan requires referrals to specialists, can this dentist provide them?

Also, be aware that costs vary by practice. If you can, get estimates of what your dentist might charge for common procedures such as fillings, crowns or root canal therapy. Even if you have dental insurance, you may be paying part of the costs yourself. Please note that the cheapest shouldn’t dictate your decision. It should be a factor, and that’s it.

Our dental office always has a special going on. Whether you’re a student at Britainna Secondary School, or a senior living on a pension, we have something for you. You can view our promotions here.

Personal comfort

One of the most important things to consider when you choose a dentist is whether you feel comfortable with that person. Are you able to explain symptoms and ask questions? Do you feel like the dentist hears and understands your concerns? Would you feel comfortable asking for pain medicine, expressing your fear or anxiety, or asking questions about a procedure?

We have all sorts of dental professionals at our clinic. From dentists to dental hygienist, dental assistants and everything in between.

Professional qualifications

The dentist’s office should be able to tell you about the dentist’s training. The office also should have policies on infection control. If the staff seems uncomfortable answering your questions, or you are uncomfortable with their answers, consider finding another dentist. You can also obtain information about a dentist’s qualifications from the local dental society or your insurance carrier. Most organizations of specialty dentists also list their members and qualifications.

Our office staff is second to none. They are here to help answer ALL your questions. Click here to view our About section.

Emergency care

Find out what happens if you have an emergency, either during normal office hours or at night or on a weekend. A dentist should not refer you to a hospital emergency room. You should be able to contact your dentist (or a suitable substitute) at any time by calling an answering service, cell phone or pager.

Yes, we provide emergency dental services. Contact us at:(604) 251-4000.

Province licensing boards

Most provincial dental boards such as British Columbia Dental Association, have a website where you can verify if your dentist is licensed. The website also should tell you whether there have been any disciplinary actions taken against him or her.

All our dentists belong to several local and national dental associations.

How To Find a Dentist

  • Your friends and family — Friends and family members are a great resource. They can tell you about the personality of the dentist and office staff, and answer questions. Here are some good questions to ask:
    How well does the dentist explain treatment options?
    How long do you have to sit in the waiting room?
    Do you feel comfortable asking questions?
    How does the office handle emergencies?
    How long do you have to wait for an appointment?
    How are bills handled?
  • Your current dentist — If you are moving, ask your current dentist if he or she knows of someone to recommend near your new home.
  • Your physician — Your physician may be able to provide some names of dentists.heck the yellow pages or be alert for advertisements.

Looking for a dental office you can call home? Try one of these dental centres in British Columbia.

Dentist in Kitsilano Vancouver BC

kitsilano dental clinic

Meet Dr. Alex Rosenczweig. We are both clinical instructors at UBC in the Faculty of Dentistry.  He’s not only a good dentist but also a good friend.

Dr. Alex operates a dental office in Vancouver, BC called Accord Dental, located in the Kitsilano area.  He took over Accord Dental in 2007 and has since made a reputable name for himself.  Although his dental office is fairly busy, he always welcomes new patients.

If you enjoy playing volleyball, swing by Kitsilano Beach and you just might see Dr. Alex there.  He’s always up for a game.

Dr. Alex is a resident of Kitsilano and is on call for dental emergencies. He is known to be a caring and understanding dentist who puts his patients first.

Website: www.accorddental.ca
Address: 2385 W. 4th Ave (Kitsilano) Vancouver BC, V6K 1P2

Dental Office in Surrey BC

surrey-place-dental-logo

The first dental office located in Central City Shopping Mall is Surrey Place Dental.  They are a group of dedicated dentists working out of Central City Shopping Mall.  You can get to us using public transit via Surrey Central Skytrain Station.

The team of dentists works closely with their patients to help them achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.  Their veteran dentists include Dr. Bhasker Thakore, Dr. Greg Chang and Dr. Joy Maru.  They also have some up-and-coming dentists such as Dr. Colin Loewen and Dr. Sarah Garbelya.

Surrey Place Dental has a solid foundation of both staff and dentists.  Come on by and check them out!

Website: www.surreyplacedental.com
Address: 2446 Central City Surrey V3T 2W1 Canada

the-dental-group-logo

The Dental Group at Central City just opened up another dental office about a year ago to make sure their patients can book dental appointments without having to wait long. For added convenience, their new dental clinic is located in the same building – Central City Shopping Mall – just upstairs from Surrey Place Dental.

The Dental Group at Central City is now entering its second year and has hired a few new dentists to handle the workload. Our newest additions include Dr. Steven Chang, Dr. Sarang Toosi , and Dr. Chris Shon.

Our new dental clinic is equipped with the latest in dental technology.  New X-ray machines, filtered water system, and much more.

Website: www.thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/
Address: 112-1117 Central City Shopping Centre Surrey V3T 2W1

best surrey dentist

Dr. Sidhu leads the team here at My Dentist @ Boundary Park in Surrey, BC. He’s very passionate and looks after both young and old. His dental office is located on 120th Street in Surrey and has been known to giveaway monthly Ipads to their patients.

 

Website: www.mydentistsurrey.ca
Address:  121-6350 120th St Surrey, BC V3X 1Y7

surrey dental implants logo

Let me introduce you to Dr. Joy Maru, a renown Dental Implant Specialist. He has placed over 1000’s of dental implants. Patients come from all over North America to get their dental implants done by Dr. Maru.

Website: www.surreydentalimplants.ca
Address: 2446 Central City Surrey V3T 2W1 Canada

Dentists in New Westminster BC

new westmisnter dentist

Just across the bridge from Surrey is a dental clinic in New Westminster called Sapperton Dental.  Sapperton Dental is owned and operated by Dr. Sarika Sachdeva & her brother Dr. Sandeep Sachdeva.  Both are highly skilled dentists and are caring for their patients.

The team at Sapperton Dental in New Westminster performs an array of dental services.  They even offer emergency dental work.

For your convenience, their dental office is located near Sapperton Skytrain Station.  They are currently accepting new dental patients.

Website: www.sappertondental.com
Address: 301 E Columbia St‎ New Westminster, BC V3L 3W5, Canada

new westminster dentist

Royal Square Dental has a team of super amazing dentists in New Westminster. Their support staff is second to none with almost a perfect 5-star rating on Google. If you want a dentist who truly understands what it means to be a great dentist, don’t look any further than Royal Square Dental.

Website: www.royalsquaredental.com
Address: 14-800 McBride Blvd New Westminster, BC V3L 2B8

Dentist in Delta BC

delta dental clinic

Dr. Dhir and his wife Dr. Sethi are both dentists who recently opened this dental clinic. They have the state-of-the-art dental equipment and are serious about getting you a better smile. They believe that with the knowledge, the right dental equipment, and the passion, you can help anyone achieve that smile they have always wanted.

Newest Dental Clinic in Delta

Delta Dental has already become the talk of the town for the amazing way they treat their clients. Still a relatively new clinic on the scene in Delta, B.C., the clinic is making serious headway as one of the top dental providers in the area. With a dream team of dental professionals, a wide range of services (including emergency), and a great location, you cannot go wrong choosing Delta.

Website: https://deltadentalbc.com
Address: 110-8295 120th Street, Delta, BC V4C 6R1

Dentist in Burnaby BC

burnaby dentist

This is another dental clinic Dr. Dhir and his wife Dr. Sethi both own and operate. This dental clinic is located in Burnaby, BC. They believe that convenience is key for their patients. Whichever side of the bridge you live on, they have a dental clinic to serve you. They rather commute across the bridge than make their patients. That’s how you know if your dentist actually cares.

Why Choose Bainbridge Dental?

Bainbridge Dental Clinic off Lougheed Hwy is unique and distinctive because we incorporate skill, experience and technology all in under one roof. The work of our highly-skilled dentists of varying disciplines of dentistry, coupled with the care and attention-to-detail ensures that each patient is treated like family. Our complete team of dental professional functions on the sole purpose of ensuring complete patient care and satisfaction and this passion is what sets us apart from other dental offices.

At Bainbridge Dental Office, our foundation lies in our ideology. We understand the complexities of dental problems and the absolute need to tackle them with utmost care, which is why our clinics consist of some of the most sought-after dentists in Burnaby, BC. We ensure that no stone is left unturned in providing our dental patients with the best healthcare possible.

Website: https://bainbridgedental.ca
Address: 2842 Bainbridge Ave (Off Lougheed Hwy), Burnaby, BC V5A 3W7

Dentist in Vancouver, BC

Star Dental on West Broadway

vancouver dental broadway

Star Dental has been apart of the Vancouver community for decades and has continued to strive even with all the new dental clinics popping up in the area. That’s due to the amazing team they have at their Broadway St. location.

Star Dental: Our Mission

The name may have changed over the years, but Star Dental’s landmark Fairmont Medical Building location has remained as constant as our dedication to providing quality dental care.

For over 25 years, we have strived to build and maintain long-term relationships with families and make a difference in our community. Our office is located in the central Fairmont Medical Building at West Broadway and Willow, in Vancouver’s vibrant Fairview Slopes community. It is conveniently accessible by transit or car, located near the Canada Line train station and the B-Line route.

Website: www.stardentalwestbroadway.com
Address: 1215-750 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1J2, Canada

Sunrise Village Dental on East Hastings Street

vancouver dentist

Absolutely the most caring, huggable, honest dentist you can find in Vancouver. Dr. Vinay Dhir has been known to bend over backward for his patients. If you need a dentist who will work around your busy schedule, Dr. Dhir is your dentist.

Why Choose Sunrise Village Dental

Here in Sunrise Village Dental, our commitment is to go above and beyond at all times for our patients. Our Dentists and dental professionals achieve this by creating the most relaxing, least painful experience you have ever had at a dental office.

This means that everything we do is focused on putting our patients first, and making sure our patients always receive the best dental care and our undivided attention.

Website: www.stardentalwestbroadway.com
Address: 2538 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Dentist in Fresno, CA

Milburn Dental Office

fresno dentist

Another team of husband and wife dentists. Just recently opened their doors and they’re averaging 50-80 new dental patients. They must be doing something right. If you live in Fresno, CA and are looking for a new dentist, you should hurry and become a patient at Milburn Dental before they close their doors for new patients.

Why Choose Milburn Dental

At Milburn Dental, nothing makes us happier than seeing you smile. Your smile is infectious; it puts one on everyone’s face, including ours. That is because of the pride we take in offering the best and most up-to-date dental techniques from the most knowledgeable and caring professionals in the field. Best of all, it all happens in an environment that will actually make you want to come back and visit the dentist again!

Our state-of-the-art office is fully equipped for family, cosmetic, and general dentistry. Working alongside our dentists will ensure you and your family a positive dental care experience. We take pride in providing all our patients with exceptional dental care in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Website: www.milburndental.com
Address: 6721 N Milburn Ave Ste 101, Fresno CA 93722

Dentist Web Design & Marketing

dentist website design

This team of talented and amazing designers, developers, and marketing geniuses have helped countless dental offices attain new patients. They work around the clock, making sure your website is plastered all over the internet. Don’t miss out on another patient again, hire the Dentist Web Design Company.

Website: www.dentistwebdesign.ca
Address: Vancouver, BC

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Dentists Can Help Identify Tickborne Diseases

Tickborne diseases are on the rise during the summer and prevention should be on everyone’s minds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That includes dentists, too.

“From May through August, people will get more tick bites and tickborne diseases than any other time of year in the Canada,” according to the CDC website. “Each year, more than 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported nationwide, while studies suggest the actual number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease is more likely about 300,000.”

Dr. Dhir, a Vancouver dentist and member of the Canadian Dental Association, said that this summer’s reported uptick in ticks has increased him prevention measures when it comes to his family. “Lately, we’ve been checking our girls for ticks after they play outside in the wooded area near our home due to the recent publicity about the expected increase in tickborne diseases,” he said. “The people I know who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease suffered  from debilitating illnesses for years before they were finally properly diagnosed.”

Dentists can help detect possible cases of Lyme disease, according to Dr. Dhir. “Sometimes the dental patient may present nonspecific orofacial pain and headaches that can mimic temporomandibular joint pain,” he said. “Dentists should consider Lyme disease as a possible cause if a patient presents these or related symptoms and has no specific oral health problem. These patients should be referred to a physician.”

Dr. Barry S. Rubel, a professor at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, wrote an article for a 2007 issue of General Dentistry called “A Case of Rocky Mountain Fever.” In the article, he spoke about a patient who came in for routine prophylaxis and described recent swelling of her arms and legs along with soreness in her neck and an accompanying rash. She had been seen by a physician and been treated for symptom relief but Dr. Rubel was concerned that she might have had Lyme disease or a related condition because she cited frequent recent trips to rural areas. He referred her for appropriate testing and she was subsequently diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – another illness caused by a tick bite.

“I am familiar prior to becoming a dentist having had training in microbiology and working with animals as a pastime,” Dr. Rubel told ADA News. “I am also an outdoors kind of person and have a knowledge relating to the transmission of disease through various animal and insect vectors. I have seen Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever before and used to work in labs that did specific tests for Lyme disease and these types of diseases as well as having training in the past in parasitology and veterinary sciences. It was not difficult to identify this disease as the patient had classical signs and symptoms and the area I practice has problems with ticks as well as mosquitoes and other vectors of transmission. As part of my teaching philosophy at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry I try to instill in the student education process that during patient exams we observe not only the dental aspect but also be observant to the patient as a whole and if we detect anything out of the ordinary that it should be followed up with necessary referrals and consultations. I was pretty sure in this case what it was, referred the patient for appropriate testing but made sure she was started on doxycycline immediately to prevent any comorbidities. In retrospect, we did everything correctly to prevent any problems from exacerbating with respect to this patient.”

 

According to the CDC, “Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides and reducing tick habitat.”

For more information on ticks and tickborne diseases, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website cdc.gov/ticks.

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