Dr. Ariga Avanessian – Dentist | Prince Rupert, BC

Dr. Ariga Avanessian is a Dentist. Practicing at Prince Rupert Dental Clinic in Prince Rupert, BC, Dr. Avanessian is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Avanessian is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. Dr. Avanessian provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Avanessian serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Prince Rupert Dental Clinic.

Dr. Ariga Avanessian earned a Dental Degree. With over 6 years of practice since 2019, Dr. Avanessian has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Avanessian is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Avanessian's passion for delivering exceptional dental care and staying at the forefront of advancements in the field.

Key aspects of Dr. Avanessian's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Avanessian is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Armenian, Farsi and French.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Avanessian. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Ariga Avanessian adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Prince Rupert Dental Clinic, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Avanessian frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches? Dr. Avanessian partners with patients to target their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth a much more achievable reality.
• Patients experiencing feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Avanessian's practice, a key objective is their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients with Dr. Avanessian's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences once more.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider at Dr. Avanessian's practice is consistently achieving the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.

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

Prince Rupert Dental Clinic, where Dr. Avanessian practices, is situated in a central location within the Prince Rupert neighborhood of Prince Rupert. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Avanessian typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Avanessian is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Avanessian also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Prince Rupert Dental Clinic.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Prince Rupert Dental Clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Avanessian.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Avanessian will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Avanessian will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Avanessian's specific recommendation is essential.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Avanessian at Prince Rupert Dental Clinic?

At your first visit, Dr. Avanessian and the team will get to know you and your oral health. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Avanessian will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.

Prince Rupert Dental Clinic
43 Grenville Court
Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 1R3

Phone: (250) 624-6600

Dr. Ariga Avanessian is a licensed Dentist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Avanessian and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.