Dawson Dental Centre

4184 Dawson St.
Burnaby V5C 0A4
British Columbia
Canada
Tel 604-298-3455
Email Us

1. What's your specialty?
2. Do I really need regular appointments?
3. When should I floss?
4. Is clenching my teeth dangerous?
5. Do pregnant women have special dental needs?
6. What happens when I lose a back tooth?
7. What insurance do I have?
8. How much will insurance cover?
9. Why do I have to pay at the time of service?
10. How often should I see a dentist?
11. What should I expect during my appointment?
12. What does painless dentistry mean?
13. What if I have an emergency?
14. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
15. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
16. What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?

1. What's your specialty?
We specialize in comprehensive general dentistry for adults and children with a strong focus on continual patient education. We offer flexible hours, a convenient location, a fun-spirited staff, and the newest technologies available.

2. Do I really need regular appointments?
Some people neglect regular visits because they have healthy teeth. In fact, regular appointments are about more than just clean teeth. We also check for signs of oral cancer. Early detection of cavities allows for more conservative treatment.

3. When should I floss?
One has to floss at least once a day. We recommend to have it done before bed (but it can be done at any convenient time) before brushing teeth. Floss gently with waxed floss that resists shredding. There are implements (such as Floss Aids) available to help you reach back teeth. After flossing, brush and rinse thoroughly so bacteria can't enjoy any leftovers caught between your teeth while you sleep. This will make bacteria less likely to secrete acids between teeth to cause decay.

4. Is clenching my teeth dangerous?
Clenching your jaw excessively when you are stressed or during sleep is not normal and can damage teeth and lead to headaches, joint problems and tooth fractures. Untreated, clenching and grinding your teeth can cause hypersensitivity to hot and cold, fractures and even loosen teeth. Early diagnosis and treatment can ward off pain before it starts and help you avoid the problems associated with this condition.

5. Do pregnant women have special dental needs?
The changes that arise in a woman's dental health when she is expecting may be surprising and unexpected. For instance, a problem called pregnancy gingivitis shows up in most pregnant women is caused by increased levels of hormones. Gums may become puffy and bleed easily. Contact us with any questions about pregnancy and your dental health.

6. What happens when I lose a back tooth?
If a back tooth is lost, it can have a significant affect on one's appearance. Teeth shift when the missing tooth is no longer there to support the others, creating changes in your bite. A sinking or puckering may also become obvious between cheeks and mouth, and lips may look thinner and straighter. There are many options for replacement; bridges, implants, or partials may be a good option. A bridge can be used to keep the teeth functioning properly and maintain their stability or implants may be the treatment of choice. Talk with us about what option will work best for you.

Bone loss in the jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth and can cause facial changes, speech changes and diet changes. Successfully placed dental implants cause the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Dental implants can restore normal eating and speaking abilities, increase denture retention and enhance facial appearance.

7. What insurance do I have?
It is best to find out from your company's Human Resource group about what insurance you have and bring information with you to your appointment. We could also help you to find out your coverage.

8. How much will insurance cover?
We can check benefits and give you an estimate of what your insurance may cover.

9. Why do I have to pay at the time of service?
As a courtesy to our patients, we will gladly process your insurance claim forms. Our responsibility is to provide you with the treatment that best meets your needs, not to try to match your care to insurance plan limitations. Therefore, when a service has been provided, it is the patient's responsibility to pay estimated portions at the time of service.

10. How often should I see a dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association CDA guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.

11. What should I expect during my First appointment?
One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.
During follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.

12. What does painless dentistry mean?
Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anaesthetic and whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.

13. What if I have an emergency?
Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to fit you in our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the weekend, and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor’s emergency contact number.

14. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
Yes. We offer no interest rate payment plan and also accept most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards. [We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment.]

15. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth: in office, overnight or daily. ZOOM bleaching is done in our office. One session generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read or relax during the treatment. For overnight bleaching, we take an impression of your teeth and create bleaching trays. Each day you fill the bleaching trays with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it as instructed. The overnight bleaching process takes approximately two weeks.
Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use any bleaching product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the CDA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program.

16. What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?
Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.