Dr. Chia-Ling Hsieh

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• 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.

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

At Brickyard 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. Hsieh frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots under Dr. Hsieh's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain with Dr. Hsieh's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them once more.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Hsieh with concerns about a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation, making a positive and lasting return to no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems not just possible, but highly feasible.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Hsieh to see patients who were troubled by a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident successfully achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.

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

Brickyard Dental Clinic, where Dr. Hsieh practices, is situated in the North Nanaimo (Hammond Bay area) neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is conveniently located near Nanaimo Museum and is accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hsieh 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Hsieh 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. Following Dr. Hsieh's specific recommendation is crucial.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hsieh at Brickyard Dental Clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Hsieh and the team at Brickyard Dental 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. Hsieh 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. Hsieh?

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

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 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 important to check your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Brickyard Dental Clinic
6010 Brickyard Rd #201
Nanaimo, BC, V9V 1S5

Phone: (250) 751-8782

Dr. Chia-Ling Hsieh 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. Hsieh 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.