Dr. Birgit Ilse Otto – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Birgit Ilse Otto is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Otto is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Otto 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. Otto 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. Otto 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 the clinic.

Dr. Birgit Ilse Otto earned a Dental Degree. With over 40 years of practice since 1985, Dr. Otto has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Otto is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Otto remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Otto's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Otto is fluent in English and also offers consultations in German.

Dr. Birgit Ilse Otto 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

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.

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

At Dr. Birgit Ilse Otto's practice, 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. Otto frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Otto's practice, a key objective is their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Otto with concerns about having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother, making a positive and lasting return to biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence not just possible, but highly feasible.
• When a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Otto helps patients strive for gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This makes participating in activities such as being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures a pleasant and possible experience again.
• When wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth, Dr. Otto and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Otto's practice is a dental office conveniently located in the Sunset North, Main Street South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic enjoys a prime position near Shopping & Dining Districts and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 always used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Otto 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Otto at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Otto and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Otto will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Otto 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is essential to follow Dr. Otto's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Otto 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. Dr. Otto 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 specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are usually paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may also provide coverage for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

1376 E. 57th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, V5X 1V3

Phone: (604) 325-1648

Dr. Birgit Ilse Otto 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. Otto 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.