Dr. David Sowden – Dentist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. David Sowden is a Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. Practicing at a oral & maxillofacial surgeon practice in North Vancouver, BC, Dr. Sowden is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Sowden 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. As a certified specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Sowden performs a wide range of surgical procedures of the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, and skull. Common procedures include complex tooth extractions (impacted wisdom teeth), dental implant placement, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), treatment of facial trauma, TMJ surgery, and diagnosis and management of oral pathology (cysts, tumors). Dr. Sowden often provides various levels of anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Sowden 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. David Sowden earned a Dental Degree. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Sowden brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Sowden is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Sowden's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Sowden provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. David Sowden addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Complex Tooth Extraction Needs

• Difficult or Surgically Complicated Tooth Extractions Requiring Specialist Oral Surgeon: Addressing challenging tooth extraction situations with precision and skill to ensure patient safety, minimize trauma, and promote optimal post-operative healing.

Oral Cysts Tumors Diagnosis

• Presence of Cysts or Tumors in the Jawbones or Oral Soft Tissues: Identification of abnormal growths, swellings, or radiolucencies/opacities on X-rays or CBCT scans that are suspected to be cysts (e.g., dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst, keratocyst) or tumors (benign or malignant) of the oral and maxillofacial region, requiring biopsy and specialist management.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

• Symptomatic or Problematic Impacted Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars): Seeking specialist assessment and extraction of problematic impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth to alleviate current symptoms and prevent future complications.

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

• Surgical Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Comprehensive care for wisdom tooth-related problems, including assessment, surgical extraction, and post-operative management.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Complex Tooth Extractions & Alveoloplasty: Surgical expertise for challenging tooth removal procedures beyond the scope of routine general dentistry.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Sowden is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. David Sowden's practice, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Sowden's comprehensive care for needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain is meticulously designed to result in their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures without dental worries.
• Patients experiencing feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Sowden's practice, a key objective is their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care.
• Overcoming or effectively managing needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury is a common journey for patients under Dr. Sowden's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, so that daily routines and pleasures like laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth become straightforward again.
• For individuals troubled by concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history, Dr. Sowden's approach is focused on delivering their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought with a healthier smile.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Sowden, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Sowden is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Sowden's practice, a dental office in North Vancouver, is situated in a central location within the North Vancouver neighborhood of North Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Sowden identifies a need for specialist care,  they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

What is the typical recovery like after wisdom tooth removal or other oral surgery by Dr. Sowden?

Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery. Dr. Sowden will provide detailed post-operative instructions regarding pain management, swelling control, diet, oral hygiene, and activity restrictions. Initial discomfort and swelling are common for a few days to a week, but most patients resume normal activities relatively quickly. Following all post-operative advice is crucial for optimal healing.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Sowden 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. Sowden for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Sowden will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Sowden's specific recommendation.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

Your first visit will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes 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. Sowden will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Sowden 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).

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. 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. Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

360 - 889 Harbourside Drive
North Vancouver, BC, V7P 3S1

Phone: (604) 924-8088

Dr. David Sowden is a licensed Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon 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. Sowden 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.