Dr. Ashkan Afshinkia

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Afshinkia. 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): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Afshinkia. 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. Ashkan Afshinkia adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Drs. Bowman and Afshinkia Inc., 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. Afshinkia frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Afshinkia's clinic, addressing a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Afshinkia about a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces is to attain the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably, Dr. Afshinkia offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• Managing wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Afshinkia and the dental team. The clear aim is always a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Drs. Bowman and Afshinkia Inc. is situated in the Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench (Rural South) neighborhood of Penticton. The clinic is conveniently located near Penticton Public Library and is accessible via South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). 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 regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Drs. Bowman and Afshinkia Inc.

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Afshinkia will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Afshinkia for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Drs. Bowman and Afshinkia Inc..

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Afshinkia will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Afshinkia's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Afshinkia at Drs. Bowman and Afshinkia Inc.?

Your first visit will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination, including a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Afshinkia will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Afshinkia 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 include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

Drs. Bowman and Afshinkia Inc.
195 Calgary Avenue
Penticton, BC, V2A 2T7

Phone: (250) 492-6844

Dr. Ashkan Afshinkia 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. Afshinkia 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.