Dr. Donald Ross Fraser – Dentist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Donald Ross Fraser is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in North Vancouver, BC, Dr. Fraser is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Fraser 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. Fraser 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. Fraser 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. Donald Ross Fraser earned a Dental Degree. With over 46 years of practice since 1979, Dr. Fraser has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Fraser is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Fraser's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Fraser's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Fraser provides consultations in English.

Dr. Donald Ross Fraser 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

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.

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

At Dr. Donald Ross Fraser'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. Fraser frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is a common journey for patients under Dr. Fraser's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, so that daily routines and pleasures like no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking become straightforward again.
• If a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming is preventing you from fully enjoying their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues or causing discomfort, Dr. Fraser offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Through Dr. Fraser's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to often find they can readily achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• When their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Fraser helps patients strive for successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This makes participating in activities such as feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Dr. Fraser'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. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Fraser 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. Fraser for a check-up and cleaning?

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

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 (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Fraser. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing to clean between teeth, minimizing consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings at our clinic. For extra defense, especially in children, Dr. Fraser might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Fraser 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. Fraser will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Fraser is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

4 - 221 West Esplanade Ave
North Vancouver, BC, V7M 3J3

Phone: (604) 980-6016

Dr. Donald Ross Fraser 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. Fraser 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.