Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I choose the right dentist for my family?
When choosing a dentist, consider the services offered, the dentist’s experience, appointment availability, location, approach to patient care, and whether the office can meet your family’s long-term dental needs.

As a clinic, we value building trust, transparency, clear communication, and long-term relationships with our patients. We believe in getting to know each patient and their individual needs so we can provide personalized care, clearly explain your treatment options, and support your oral health at every stage of life.

Do you provide dental care for the whole family?
Yes. Our dental team provides care for patients of all ages, from 0 to 100+ years old. We make it convenient for families to receive their dental care in one office, while providing care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

When should I bring my children to see a dentist?
It’s a good idea to bring your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help your child get comfortable at the dentist and give our team a chance to make sure their teeth and gums are developing properly.

During the visit, we can also discuss ways to care for your baby’s teeth at home and answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health and development.

What dental services does your office provide?
Our dental office provides a wide range of general, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. Depending on your needs, our services include dental exams and cleanings, fillings, crowns, veneers, dental bridges, root canals, Invisalign, dental implants, extractions, teeth whitening, gum depigmentation, and more.

Our goal is to provide quality, comprehensive care in one place whenever possible, so we can minimize the need for referrals to specialists. We understand that specialist referrals can sometimes be expensive and difficult to coordinate, and we want to make your dental care as convenient and accessible as possible while providing the quality of care you deserve.

NEW PATIENTS

What can I expect at my first dental appointment?
At your first appointment, we’ll typically review your dental and medical history, examine your teeth and gums, and take any necessary X-rays or diagnostic imaging. Your dentist will discuss your oral health, answer any questions you may have, and recommend treatment based on your individual needs and priorities.

What should I bring to my first dental appointment?
Please bring your identification, dental insurance information if applicable, a list of your current medications, and any relevant dental records or information from your previous dentist. If you’re transferring from another dental office, our team can help you with the records transfer process.

What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time?
That’s completely okay! You don’t need to feel embarrassed about how long it has been. Whether it’s been a few months, several years, or you’re visiting a dentist for the first time, you’re always welcome here. We understand that life can get busy, and there are many reasons why someone may not have been able to visit the dentist regularly. We’re here to support you, not to judge you.

We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your current oral health, answer any questions you may have, and help you understand your options. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels comfortable and manageable for you.

COST & INSURANCE

How much does a dental exam and cleaning cost?
The cost of a dental examination and cleaning may vary depending on the type of appointment, the examination required, and the amount of cleaning needed. As a general estimate, a dental examination and cleaning may cost between $360-$586 before insurance or other coverage. For a more accurate estimate, please contact our office at (604) 524-1311 or info@nwcitydentist.com.

We follow the BCDA Suggested Fee Guide as a reference for our fees. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual needs and whether additional services, such as X-rays are recommended. Our team will always discuss the recommended services and associated fees with you before proceeding with treatment.

Do you accept dental insurance?
We work with patients who have dental insurance and can provide information about your treatment costs and insurance-related questions. Coverage varies by individual insurance plan, so patients are responsible for understanding their specific benefits.

Do you direct bill dental insurance?
If your dental plan allows direct billing, our team can assist with submitting eligible claims. Insurance coverage and reimbursement depend on your individual plan.

Does my dental insurance cover everything?
Not necessarily. Dental insurance plans often have their own annual maximums, deductibles, frequency limitations, exclusions, and coverage percentages. Even if a treatment is recommended by your dentist, it does not necessarily mean your insurance plan will cover the full cost. Our treatment recommendations are based on what is best for your oral health and what is clinically necessary—not solely on your insurance coverage. We are happy to help you review your benefits, understand your coverage, and determine how it may apply to your recommended treatment.

Will I know the cost of my dental treatment before it starts?
Yes. We always want you to understand your treatment and the associated costs before moving forward. Whenever possible, our team will discuss the recommended treatment, estimated fees, and your expected portion before treatment begins. In some cases, an unexpected treatment may become necessary during your appointment. If this occurs, we will do our best to explain the recommended treatment, inform you of any additional costs, and help you understand whether your insurance plan may provide coverage for the treatment.

If you have dental insurance, we will also do our best to determine your insurance portion and your estimated out-of-pocket portion whenever possible. Please keep in mind that insurance coverage can vary depending on your individual plan, and the information available to us may not always reflect the final amount your insurance provider pays.

If you are covered under a government dental program such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), we recommend making sure you have filed your taxes and renewed or confirmed your eligibility when required, including completing any annual renewal requirements. We can help you understand your coverage and estimated costs as much as we can before your appointment.

Does Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) cover all dental treatments?
No. The CDCP covers a range of eligible dental services, but not every treatment or procedure is covered. Some services may also require preauthorization before treatment. Coverage is based on the CDCP’s current rules, limitations, and established fees.

Will I have to pay anything if I have Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes. Depending on your adjusted family net income, the Canadian Dental Care Plan’s (CDCP) established fees, and the services you receive, you will have a co-payment or additional amount to pay.

We follow the BCDA Provincial Suggested Fee Guide as a reference for our fees. Since the CDCP has its own established fees, there will be a difference between the CDCP covered amount and our fees, which may result in a cost to you.

Whenever possible, our team will review your coverage and discuss your estimated portion with you before treatment begins, so you can have a better understanding of the costs involved.

DENTAL ANXIETY

What if I’m nervous or anxious about going to the dentist?
You’re not alone. Many patients feel nervous or anxious about dental appointments, and we’re here to help you feel as comfortable as possible. Let our team know about your concerns when booking your appointment or when you arrive. We can take the time to explain what we’re doing, answer your questions, and adjust the pace of your appointment when possible.

For patients who experience dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options, including IV sedation and oral sedation, to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during treatment. Our team can discuss the available options with you and help determine what may be appropriate for your needs.

How can I make my dental appointment more comfortable?
Tell our dental team about anything that makes you uncomfortable. Discussing your concerns beforehand allows us to adjust the pace of your appointment, explain procedures clearly, and help you feel more at ease.

COMMON DENTAL TREATMENT

How do I know if I need a filling?
We may recommend a filling if you have a cavity or a tooth that has been damaged. We’ll examine the tooth and may take X-rays and photos to determine the extent of the damage and the best treatment option for you.

We believe in being transparent and helping you understand your dental health. Whenever possible, we’ll use photos and X-rays to show you what we see and explain why a filling may be recommended. During your filling appointment, we may also take photos of the cavity before treatment and show you before-and-after photos so you can see what was treated and understand the work that was completed.

Does getting a filling hurt?
We typically use a local anesthetic to numb the area before placing a filling. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel significant pain. We’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout your appointment.

It’s possible to experience some sensitivity after getting a filling, but this is extremely rare in our clinic. If you do experience any ongoing or unusual sensitivity after your filling, please let us know so our team can assess it and help determine the best next step.

Why would I need a root canal?
We may recommend a root canal when the inside of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, trauma, or other damage. Root canal treatment can help remove the infection and preserve your natural tooth.

Is a root canal treatment painful?
With modern techniques and local anesthesia, most patients are comfortable during a root canal treatment. We’ll make sure the area is properly numbed before treatment and will do our best to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Why would I need a dental crown?
We may recommend a crown when a tooth is significantly damaged, weakened, cracked, or has had a large filling or root canal treatment. A crown can help restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function.

How long do dental crowns last?
Our crowns typically last for many years and can often last for decades with proper care. However, it’s often the natural tooth underneath the crown that can eventually develop problems, such as cavities, infection, or fractures, rather than the crown itself.

The lifespan of a crown can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene, biting forces, diet, and the condition of the tooth underneath. Regular dental check-ups and periodic X-rays are important for monitoring the health of the tooth beneath the crown. These visits allow us to identify and address potential issues early, before they develop into more serious concerns.

We recommend regular dental visits and good oral hygiene to help maintain both your crown and the natural tooth underneath.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth are often best evaluated for removal during the late teenage years and early twenties, typically around ages 16–25. Even when they are not currently causing pain or other symptoms, we may recommend removing them based on their position, angle, and how they are impacted.

Removing wisdom teeth at a younger age can sometimes help prevent future problems, such as infection, decay, gum problems, damage to neighbouring teeth, or other complications. It may also be easier to remove them at a younger age than later in life. Our team will assess the position and development of your wisdom teeth and discuss whether removal is recommended based on your individual situation.

Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
Not necessarily. We will assess your wisdom teeth, including their position, angle, development, and overall condition, to determine whether removal is recommended. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, properly positioned, and not causing any problems, we may recommend monitoring them instead.

Even if they are not currently causing symptoms, we may recommend removal if their position or development could increase the risk of future problems. We’ll discuss our recommendations with you and explain why removal or monitoring may be appropriate for your individual situation.

What should I expect after wisdom tooth removal?
Some swelling, soreness, bruising, and discomfort are normal after wisdom tooth removal. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help support a smooth recovery and let you know what to expect during the healing process.

When appropriate, we also use Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) as part of our wisdom tooth removal process. PRF uses components from your own blood to support healing and may help minimize post-operative discomfort and complications. Our team will assess your individual situation and discuss whether PRF is recommended for you. PRF is an additional cost and may or may not be covered by your dental insurance, depending on your individual plan.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. We place the implant into the jawbone, where it can support a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Many people with missing teeth may be candidates for dental implants. We’ll assess your oral health, jawbone, gums, medical history, and other factors to determine whether dental implants are appropriate for you.

How long does the dental implant process take?
The timeline varies depending on your individual situation. Some patients may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before an implant can be placed. After an examination, we can provide you with a more personalized timeline based on your treatment needs.

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. We’ll assess your teeth and bite to determine whether Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for you.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and your treatment goals. After assessing your teeth and bite, we can provide you with an estimated treatment timeline.

Can I eat normally while wearing Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out when eating and drinking. We’ll provide you with instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners to help you get the best results from your treatment.

EMERGENCY DENTAL

Do you provide emergency dental appointments?
Yes, we do our best to accommodate dental emergencies and offer same-day appointments whenever possible. If you’re experiencing a dental problem that requires urgent attention, please contact our office as soon as possible. Our team will assess your situation, answer any questions you may have, and help determine the best next step.

What should I do if I have a severe toothache?
If you’re experiencing a severe or persistent toothache, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can assess the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. We’ll do our best to help relieve your discomfort and determine the best next step for your dental health.

What should I do if I chip or break a tooth?
Please contact our office as soon as possible so we can assess the tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you have the broken piece of tooth, keep it and bring it with you to your appointment.

LOCATION & CONVENIENCE

Where is your dental office located?
We are located in New Westminster near Royal City Centre, making our office convenient for patients.

522 Seventh St, #240 New Westminster, BC, V3M 5T5

Is parking available at your dental office?
There are convenient parking options available around our office. Patients can find street parking and nearby public parking within walking distance of the clinic.