Dr. Catherine Lucille Mari – Dentist | West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Catherine Lucille Mari is a Dentist. Practicing at Bayside Family Dentistry in West Vancouver, BC, Dr. Mari is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mari 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. Mari 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. Mari 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 Bayside Family Dentistry.

Dr. Catherine Lucille Mari earned a Dental Degree. With over 41 years of practice since 1984, Dr. Mari has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Mari is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Mari's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Mari'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. Dr. Mari provides consultations in English.

Dr. Catherine Lucille Mari 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: 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.

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

At Bayside Family Dentistry, 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. Mari frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about, Dr. Mari provides solutions that lead to an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.
• Effectively addressing concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches with Dr. Mari's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort and social interactions.
• Dr. Mari provides dedicated support for patients going through having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard, always aiming for positive outcomes like finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• Dr. Mari understands that dealing with a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, helping patients comfortably get back to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth and feeling their best.

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

Bayside Family Dentistry, where Dr. Mari practices, is situated in the Caulfeild, Eagle Harbour neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Park Royal Shopping Centre and is accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). 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 such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. The majority of dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to carefully review your private dental insurance policy details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before commencing treatment at Bayside Family Dentistry.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mari at Bayside Family Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Mari and the team at Bayside Family Dentistry 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. Mari 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. Mari?

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Mari will personalize your visit schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may require 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. Always follow Dr. Mari's specific recommendations.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are also used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Mari will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to principles like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Bayside Family Dentistry
2465 Bellevue Avenue
West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1E1

Phone: (604) 330-9923

Dr. Catherine Lucille Mari 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. Mari 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.