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What is TMD?

Do you suffer from any of the following: headaches or earaches, especially in the morning? Biting or chewingwhat is tmd difficulty or discomfort?  Clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth? Reduced ability to open or close the mouth?  Unexplained neck and shoulder pain?

If any or all of the above symptoms fit you, it’s possible that the root cause of these symptoms is TMD or Temporomandibular joint disorder.  In simple terms, TMD refers to an imbalance in the joint where your jaw bone meets the skull.

Why would an imbalance in your jaw cause earaches, headaches or even face and neck pain?
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is special for a couple of reasons.  First, unlike the joint of your finger which allows movement in a single direction, the TMJ also allows movement from side to side.  This is needed for chewing food –as you’ll notice that you not only bite up and down but also side to side.  The second is that it contains no pain sensors where the bone meets cartilage.  Therefore if there’s stress on the TMJ it’s not felt there, but rather in surrounding areas.  This shows up as headaches, earaches, facial pain, and even neck and shoulder pain.

What causes TMD?
There are several possible reasons for TMD, a few of them being: repetitive unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth at night, injuries from falls or sports, misaligned tooth surfaces, excessive gum chewing or nail biting or degenerative joint disease.

Is there a cure for TMD?
The correct diagnosis of TMD is the first challenge.  Up until quite recently, little was known about the effects of TMD.  Also, most people visit a physician for the types of pain associated with TMD and many physicians are not aware of this potential cause.

The symptoms of TMD can be alleviated once the correct cause of the disorder is identified.  In fact, there is now a whole branch of dentistry dedicated to the detection and care of TMD called Neuromuscular Dentistry.  Since it is a specialized field of dentistry, it’s important to be referred to a dentist who has been properly trained in Neuromuscular Dentistry.

To learn more about TMD and Dr. Mahara’s training in Neuromuscular Dentistry, please visit the Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group website.  To book an appointment, contact us today.

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6 Tips From Your Children’s Dentist

As a parent, bringing your child to the dentist can be difficult if your child is afraid.  Our focus at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is to help you care for your child’s dental health from the beginning and help you to ease your child into developing a positive and lifelong habit of regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits.

Start With Great Habits

Start them young by bringing your child along to your own or their siblings’ dental visits.  We’ll make sure theychildrens and teetn orthodontics nanaimo August 2015 are engaged positively and that they even get a small prize for coming.  Regular visits to the dentist cannot be emphasized enough in creating conditions for great oral health. Start your child young on a path that will encourage proper dental hygiene, emphasize the link between diet and cavities, and teach injury prevention.

When you child is three years old they should begin having a regular dental examination.  Starting this early keeps those early appointments short, easy and positive, turning them into a patient who enjoys coming to the dentist.

Catch Correctable Problems Early

Crowded teeth and irregular bites due to narrow jaws or underdeveloped lower jaws can often be corrected through the use of functional appliances if caught early.  The ideal age for the use of functional appliances is between ages seven and eleven, but can be utilized as early as age 4, if the upper jaw is too narrow and is having a negative effect on the child’s breathing and speech.  Catching dental problems early can mean less time in orthodontic treatments as a teen and not having to remove permanent teeth due to over-crowding.

Supervise Brushing up to Age 5 or 6

Since children lack dexterity and often really do not understand how important it is to brush thoroughly, it’s important to supervise their brushing once they are able to do it on their own. You should supervise your child’s brushing until you are comfortable with them doing it themselves, which often means until the age of 5 or 6.  This investment of your time will be worth it when your child’s check-up reveals a clean bill of health!

Don’t Forget About Flossing!

Once your child’s teeth have grown in, your child should start flossing daily.  Most parents have no problem with enforcing a routine of brushing each morning and each evening before bed, but often neglect to add the important step of flossing.  Simply put, the tooth brush cannot reach between the teeth which cavities often start.  The best time to floss is at night – so add it to your child’s bedtime routine and set your child up for a complete and effective oral healthcare routine.

Nothing Except Water After Night Brushing & Flossing

After your child’s bedtime brushing make sure they do not drink anything besides water or eat before bed.  If your child does eat or drink after brushing, make sure they brush again!  Foods or sugary drinks at night are one of the major causes of decay and cavities in young teeth, so it’s worth being very strict about this rule.

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Get in the Way

You child learns a lot from you, including your attitudes.  Therefore, speaking and acting positively about going to the dentist, naturally creates a positive attitude in your child about the dentist.   A lot of adults harbor anxiety about going to the dentist.  This is unfortunate since modern advances in dentistry, such as sedation dentistry, make it completely unnecessary to even remotely fear going to the dentist.   If you have dental anxiety, come and see us to find out how we can help you and read more about sedation dentistry on our website.  In the meantime, as a parent, do your best to contain your anxiety and make your child’s experience the positive one that it can and should be.

We look forward to you contacting us to book an appointment for your child today!

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to serve your complete dental health needs in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our Nanaimo dentists and dental hygienists believe in continuous learning to bring you the latest technology in dental medicine and our team of dental professionals aspire to the highest level of patient care.  At each visit to our office we treat you with the respect, honesty and dignity that you deserve.

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What Your Gums Say About Your Health

It’s no mystery that the beauty of a smile can impact a person’s image and level of confidence.  gum health vs gum diseaseSurprisingly though, the health of a person’s gums can say even more about the health of the person than their teeth.

It makes sense since gums are the protective tissues that surround the teeth – protecting the roots and bone structure underneath it from all of the possible invaders that could enter through our mouths.

Read on to find out what your gums are saying about you!

What do healthy gums look and feel like?

Healthy gums are light to medium pink, or slightly darker depending on your skin tone. Healthy gums lie snugly against your teeth, fully covering the root of the tooth. Flossing does not feel painful and biting into ice cream is not uncomfortable.

This is a picture of ideal gum health. Shockingly, however, according to the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults 30 and over have some form of gum disease.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease

Gum disease happens over time – meaning that if caught early, there is still time to reverse it.

Here are signs that your gums may not be healthy:

  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Redness or puffiness
  • Receding away from teeth
  • Pain or tenderness when brushing, flossing, or consuming anything hot or cold

Receding gums could be a sign of stress or sleep apnea

Grinding your teeth while you sleep puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and jawbones, which can ultimately lead to gum recession. While grinding your teeth can happen due to health issues like anxiety and stress, it’s also commonly linked with sleep apnea.

Recession might also happen because of a toothbrush that’s too hard or too old, or brushing with too much pressure.  Replace toothbrushes every three to four months and only use toothbrushes with soft bristles.

Pale gums could indicate anemia

Very pale gums can be a sign of anemia. This blood disorder happens when your red blood cell count is low or you don’t have enough of the iron-rich protein hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is what gives blood its colour, and without enough of it, you may notice paleness – including in your gums.

Dry gums could indicate immune system problems

Immune disorders, such as rheumatic diseases or lupus can affect the mucous membranes of your eyes and mouth, which can result in lowered levels of tears and saliva.  When your gums are dry, it can contribute to gum disease – or make it worse.  If you have gums that are dry enough to bother you, it’s worth bringing up with your dentist.

Other links to disease

Diabetes – If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your body can have a harder time controlling bacteria in the mouth. This can make gum disease more severe and take longer to heal.

Heart disease – There may be an association between gum disease and heart disease. While neglecting your oral health won’t necessarily cause heart disease, enough research has linked gum disease and heart disease to suggest that there’s an association between the two that’s not fully understood.

Premature birth – There’s also some evidence that maternal gum disease could be associated with a risk of premature birth (giving birth at 37 weeks or earlier) and low birth weight (5.5 pounds or less).

Preventing gum problems

You should be brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, as well as flossing once a day.

Regular professional teeth cleanings are also essential. Even with good brushing and cleaning habits, these visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and catching the signs of gum disease early.  Contact Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group today to book an appointment.

 

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Why Saving Your Natural Teeth is Important

As amazing as new technology such as dental implants are, how do they compare to the way nature has designed why saving a tooth is importantyour natural teeth?

If you’ve had dental challenges, you may have noticed that your dentist always first considers options to save a tooth whenever possible. This is because your dentist understands how valuable each and every tooth is to your dental health – and that your natural teeth are far superior to any type of replacement available.

This article will show all of the reasons why saving your natural tooth is important and why you should do everything possible to save and maintain your natural teeth.  We will also mention some common misconceptions about saving natural teeth.

Reasons to Save Your Natural Tooth

When you lose a tooth, two immediate concerns are bone loss and shifting teeth. When a dental bridge is used to compensate for a lost tooth, bone loss still occurs at the tooth extraction site because a tooth is no longer there to create pressure in the jaw and spur the regeneration of bone.

Significant bone loss from several missing teeth can affect the appearance of your face, and the overall health of your mouth.  Once bone loss has occurred, it is irreversible.  Bone loss limits your dental treatment options; for example dental implants require good bone density to be successful.

If no restorative dental treatment is done to fill the space left by a missing tooth, shifting of adjacent teeth can occur causing more severe dental challenges.  Why would your teeth shift into the missing space created by a lost tooth?  The reason is because your teeth depend on one another to keep their position.  Once teeth tilt or shift, this can throw off the balance of your bite position and lead to complications such as TMD .

Dental implants on the other hand, mitigate the loss of bone and fill the space left by a lost tooth.  The implant stimulates the regeneration of bone in a similar way to a natural tooth.  Your teeth, however, do much more than just mechanically chew food. Teeth contain nerves that send communication to the brain. These messages tell your brain how hard to chew, thereby protecting your teeth from biting too hard. Implants have no nerves and so the sensory connection with the brain is lost and this communication is not possible.

Saving your natural tooth has several benefits that cannot be received from dental implants. By saving your natural tooth, you maintain the natural structure of your mouth and jaw allowing you to continue chewing normally.

Common Misconceptions

Tooth extraction is cheaper – False!  When a natural tooth is extracted, it must be replaced with an artificial tooth to prevent other teeth from shifting, and to prevent future dental problems. The cost of a denture, bridge or implant, plus the extraction, often is higher than the cost of an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth for years to come. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic, or root canal treatment.

Tooth extraction is less painful than a root canal treatment – False! Modern techniques and effective anesthesia make root canal treatment virtually painless. In fact, discomfort after the procedure is generally greater with a tooth extraction. Patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as “painless” than patients who have not had a root canal.

Tooth extraction is quicker – False! Endodontic treatments generally require one to two visits lasting less than an hour each. An extraction requires one visit, but the denture, bridge or implant will require several additional visits with your dentist.

Conclusion

It is important to be on the same page as your dentist and make every effort to save and preserve your natural teeth.  Please contact us at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group for an appointment today!

 

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The Key to Managing Dental Fear

Did you know that dental fear is so common that nearly 25% of the population suffers from it?  Given sedation dentistry managing dental fearthis fact, there’s absolutely no reason to be ashamed of a dental phobia – and the good news is that many solutions are available!

Research shows that a significant number of people routinely avoid seeing the dentist and in severe cases, a person with dental phobia may never see a dentist.

Others with less severe dental fear may force themselves to go to the dentist, but may not sleep the night before or possibly feel sick in anticipation.

If you suffer from dental fear or dental phobia, read on to find out what can be done to help you.

How serious is your dental phobia?

The amount of fear that people have toward dental treatment can vary widely and is often categorized as either anxiety or phobia.

According to Columbia University College of Dentistry, those with dental anxiety experience a sense of uneasiness or exaggerated worries when it is time for their appointments.

Dental phobia, on the other hand is a more serious condition. It is defined as an intense fear or dread. People with dental phobia are not just anxious, they often describe feelings of panic or dread.

Causes and solutions for dental fear?

There are several reasons that emerge from research on dental phobia.  The most common reason is a fear of pain.  Notably, this reason is most common for adults over the age of 24.  This is likely due to the fact that for people in this age group, early dental visits happened before many of the advances in “pain-free” dentistry that are common practice today.

When it comes to patients who state pain as a main reason for keeping them out of the chair, one solution is the use of topical anesthetics. These are used to numb the soft tissue before local anesthesia is administered – making the dental freezing process nearly un-noticeable.

Other reasons for dental fear include; feelings of helplessness and loss of control, embarrassment and negative past experiences.

To combat feelings of helplessness and loss of control as well as embarrassment, it is very important for a dental professional to communicate effectively.  One effective technique created by a Harvard dentist in the 1970s is the tell-show-do technique.

Since creating a comfortable environment and experience for patients is predicated on their perception or understanding of the treatment the dentist is proposing to them, techniques like “tell-show-do,” help the patient visualize the procedure so they are aware of what is happening.  It has proven to greatly mitigate dental fear, regardless of the patient’s age or dental history.

Sedation Dentistry

For those who have had negative experiences as the dentist or whom suffer from more severe cases of dental fear, there is the option for sedation dentistry, including oral sedation and inhalation sedation (also known as “laughing gas”).

Oral sedatives are taken as pills (also known as “happy pills”), which our dentists typically prescribe to the patient in the consultation visit leading up to the treatment. Oral sedation patients report feeling relaxed and remembering little of the treatment. For many patients, the experience is described as sleeping through the treatment. In reality however, sedation dental patients actually maintain consciousness and are able to follow instructions throughout the treatment.

Inhalation sedation or “laughing gas” is a mild sedative that is widely requested by patients suffering from dental anxiety. Laughing gas is delivered before and during a dental treatment through a small nose-hood. Patients under the effect of laughing gas typically report feelings of general well-being. In addition to this delivered by inhalation, pills can also be used to create a similar effect.

Contact Us

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to offer every modern solution to dental fear to our patients. Please call to book an appointment with Dr. Mahara today.

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All About Baby Teeth

As a new parent you probably have lots of questions about what to expect with your baby.  One of those baby-teeth-dentist-nanaimoimportant areas of curiosity and parental concern will no doubt be about your baby’s teeth.

Some of the questions you might have are: “When should my baby’s teeth come in? When do I begin brushing my baby’s teeth? And how? When should I start bringing my child to the dentist for check-ups and dental hygiene treatments?”

These are all great questions.  We hope to get you started on the answers here and invite you to come in to see Dr. Mahara and his friendly staff to learn more.

When Can I Expect My Baby’s Teeth?

In the above graphic, you can see the order that a child’s teeth typically come in.  Amazingly, a baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth!  These first 20 teeth will begin to appear in the first 6 to 12 months of life.

We all have some level of awareness that babies will have some sore or tender gums as those first teeth emerge.  Gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. If your child is still cranky and in pain, consult your dentist or physician for options.

Although every child is different, by the age of three, many children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Starting a child off with good oral care is incredibly important for several reasons.  Most obvious is that baby teeth serve a functional purpose – to help him or her chew, speak and smile. Less obvious to parents is that baby teeth do an important job of holding space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.

In the case where a baby tooth is lost early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crowded.

Starting kids off with the right attitude to oral care is also important.  It’s all about forming strong, positive habits.  For all of these reasons, starting infants off with good oral care can help protect their teeth for a lifetime.

Tips on Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

As a parent, you want to do the right thing for your child.  Here’s a few pointers for their various stages of growth!

  1. Start right away: Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth regularly by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. This is a good habit and cavities can occur any time after teeth irrupt.
  2. Brush for your child at least until the age of 3: Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice.
  3. Supervise brushing for children 3 to 6 years of age: Supervise children’s brushing to make sure they do a good job and to remind them not to swallow the toothpaste.
  4. Keep monitoring brushing and flossing: Until you’re comfortable that your child has mastered brushing, continue to help and monitor your child’s brushing twice a day. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth daily.

When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?

As with starting good oral care habits early, start the habit of bringing your child to the dentist early.  The rule of thumb is to bring your child for their first check up no later than the first birthday. Having those first check-ups experienced as fun and positive events will set the tone for trips to the dentist later on. Besides checking for cavities and other problems, your dentist can guide you on how best to care for your child’s teeth and answer any questions you are having.

Call or email Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group to book an appointment today:

250-754-4322

info@drmahara.com

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How Safe is Teeth Whitening?

Rumors of teeth whitening products wearing away tooth enamel and damaging teeth are enough to cause anyone concern.  But is safe teeth whitening there any truth to concerns about the safety of teeth whitening?

In general teeth whitening has proven to be very safe and effective.  However, it is valuable to explore how rumors of the negative effects of tooth whitening began in the first place, as well as a few cautions on the topic.

What is whitening gel made of?

There are two main ingredients used in almost all teeth whitening products: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. The stronger of the two chemicals is hydrogen peroxide and due to its strength, it is the ingredient typically used in higher concentrations in dentist supervised whitening treatments.

Since hydrogen peroxide can cause a chemical burn on the gums, dentists are careful to ensure the safety of gums and other sensitive tissues during the treatment.

Carbamide peroxide is the less intense of the two chemicals and therefore safer to apply. It is most often used in over the counter whitening treatments.

Potential side effects of whitening

Side effects can occur during whitening and can be made worse through improper use of whitening products.  Common complaints are tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.  Following directions carefully can help minimize these problems when whitening at home, but if either of these symptoms occur it’s important to pay attention.

Fortunately there are teeth whitening options for patients with even the most sensitive teeth. Options could include building the tolerance of teeth over a period of time with fluoride treatments or exploring whitening systems that work better for people with sensitivity.

Where do rumors that teeth whitening is unsafe come from?

It is true that it is not advisable for pregnant or lactating women to use teeth whitening products. Otherwise, the reported problems associated with teeth whitening usually result from the misuse of over the counter products. Ultimately, whether using a home whitening treatment or having an in-clinic treatment, the dangers should be very minimal.

Common cautions include: using a whitening product more often than directed, or leaving the solution on longer than the instructions recommend.

Another issue with whitening products comes from whitening material entering into an unfilled cavity or crack in the tooth. To avoid this scenario, make sure you have a check-up with your dentist before starting the whitening process.

Conclusion

Now that you understand how teeth whitening works and some of the associated issues and concerns, you can start comparing whitening treatments. Consider getting your dentist’s opinion on the best way for you to whiten and to check any dental health issues that could possibly prevent you from getting the best results.

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Treat Snoring and Sleep Apnea Today!

The term “sleep apnea” refers to pauses of 10 to 30 seconds in breathing during sleep which disturb the normal sleep cycle.  sleep apnea diagram nanaimo sleep dentalAccording to the Lung Association of Canada, 26% of adults have a high risk of having or developing sleep apnea and 2 – 3% of children are likely to have sleep apnea.

Symptoms and impact of sleep apnea

Excessive daytime sleepiness that cannot be explained and snoring with pauses in breathing are the main symptoms of sleep apnea, however there are other symptoms that can accompany them.

Sleep apnea can lead to a host of negative effects, including:

  • Irritability
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • High blood pressure
  • Memory loss
  • Impotence
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Lack of concentration
  • Morning headaches

Medical treatment for sleep apnea

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is the medical treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP delivers a constant flow of air to the patient through tubing and a mask to the airway. The pressure of the airflow prevents the collapse of the airway and eliminates the sleep apnea events.

One of the downsides of CPAP is the discomfort of wearing a mask and tubing while sleeping. Also, CPAP is not a cure for sleep apnea, it only works as long as it is used.

If diagnosed with severe sleep apnea by a medical doctor, the patient is required to try the CPAP device for at least one month because it is considered the best treatment option.

After one month of using CPAP, or in cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea, the patient can request an alternate treatment for sleep apnea, such as a dental sleep apnea appliance.

Dental appliances and devices to treat sleep apnea

Dental sleep apnea appliances, also known as oral appliances, may be suggested by a patient’s doctor to treat mild or moderate sleep apnea. Dental apnea devices to treat sleep apnea are worn at night and work by holding the tongue and jaw in a forward position.

There are many different types of dental sleep apnea appliances for sleep apnea available. If a dental apnea device or appliance is recommended by your doctor, it’s best to consult with your dentist at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group in regard to the ideal type of apnea sleep treatment.

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group in Nanaimo, BC, is proud to offer dental appliances and apnea appliances as an alternative to CPAP to treat sleep apnea as well as snoring and welcomes you to make an appointment for a consultation.

 

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Invisible Braces? Introducing Invisalign

2-Benefits-of-InvisalignIf you’d like straight teeth without braces or any visible sign that you are doing an orthodontic treatment, Invisalgn is a dental technology that you need to know about.  Instead of bulky metal braces, Invisalign uses a series of see-through aligners that click into place in your mouth to progressively shift teeth into their proper position.  Not only does Invisalign act as clear and invisible braces, they’re removable!

How does Invisalign work?

A series of custom-made, clear aligners are created specifically for you by our Nanaimo Invisalign dentists and are to be worn throughout the day.  Each set of aligners is worn for about 2 weeks, so the changes made to your teeth are progressive and you can literally see the change happening each time you move to the next set of aligners.

Is Invisalign comfortable?

Since the aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic, they are specifically designed not to irritate your cheeks and gums. The aligners can be removed when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth, so keeping your mouth clean is a breeze.

Some patients do report to our Nanaimo dental team that the aligners can feel tight, especially when starting a new set.  If the new aligners are really uncomfortable, they can be adjusted.  However, in most cases, this is the natural feeling of tension created to shift the teeth to the next stage in the straightening process, and you will get used to it in no time.

Is Invisalign convenient?

Although you will typically begin a new set of aligners every two weeks, this does not mean you must visit our Nanaimo Invisalign dentists that frequently.  In fact, normally you will only need to check in with your dentist every 6 weeks.

Although being removable makes Invisalign very convenient, it’s important to remember that in order to work properly, the Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20 – 22 hours per day.  That means that although the aligners can be removed for eating and brushing and flossing, they should not be removed for any length of time.  Teen Invisalign users will be happy to know that a large part of their Invisalign wearing time occurs while they’re sleeping, leaving a few hours during the day for removal.

How long does Invisalign take?

While every case is unique for each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of braces.  Don’t forget however, that for teens, the combination of not having those awkward metal braces and seeing regular progress happening every two weeks makes the time fly by.

How to get started using Invisalign to straighten your teeth?

Get started by contacting us for an appointment at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group today.  We are Certified Invisalign providers and offer financing plans to help make your perfect smile a reality today.  We also recommend that you read more about the Invisalign treatment process on our website and contact us if you have any questions.  We look forward to helping you create the smile you’ve dreamed about soon.

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to serve your complete dental health needs in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our Nanaimo dentists and dental hygienists believe in continuous learning to bring you the latest technology in dental medicine and our team of dental professionals aspire to the highest level of patient care.  At each visit to our office we treat you with the respect, honesty and dignity that you deserve.

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Understanding Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a great benefit that many employers provide or that business people or families can purchase on their own to help reduce the risk of unexpected dental costs.  Unfortunately, dental plans can cause frustration when they’re not understood properly.

“Dental plans are a valuable component of extended health benefits and are designed to offset the cost of dental treatment,” says Dr. Hank Klein, President, British Columbia Dental Association. (www.bcdental.org)

The frustration occurs when patients assume that dental insurance should dictate their treatment plan.  In fact, dental insurance is not designed to cover all dental expenses, but to offset dental fees.  Your dentist is a highly trained specialist and will recommend a treatment plan based on your unique case and the treatment options available to you.  At Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group we always provide patients with several treatment options where possible – from the best option to those that are quicker or more economical. It is ultimately your choice which of the recommended treatment options are acted on.

At Downtown Nanaimo Group, you can expect that we will help you as much as possible with your dental insurance claims by submitting your claims on your behalf and by deferring a portion of your payment for dental services based on the expected portion of the fees that will be paid by the dental insurer.  On average this leads to a delay of up to two months in our office being paid for dental services.  We do this as a service to our valued patients and it is not something that Dental offices are required to do.

To avoid surprises or frustration that may occur as a result of not fully understanding your dental insurance plan, the following are a few tips recommended on the BC Dental Association website to become an active and knowledgeable participant in your dental health:

  • Know your dental plan and what’s covered before your dental appointment to understand your portion of costs.
  • Plan for the future. Consider all your extended health costs when planning for your retirement
  • Discuss all treatment options with your dentist to make an informed decision based on your dental health needs.  Understand any health risks associated with delaying or refusing treatment
  • Prevention is still the best treatment for everyone in your family: brush and floss daily; limit sugary drinks and snacks; don’t smoke; and have an examination by a dentist at least once a year to diagnose problems before they become more complex and costly.

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to serve your complete dental health needs in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our Nanaimo dentists and dental hygienists believe in continuous learning to bring you the latest technology in dental medicine and our team of dental professionals aspire to the highest level of patient care.  At each visit to our office we treat you with the respect, honesty and dignity that you deserve.

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