Dr. Douglas Victor Pauls – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Douglas Victor Pauls is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Pauls is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Pauls 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. Pauls 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. Pauls 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. Douglas Victor Pauls earned a Dental Degree. With over 38 years of practice since 1987, Dr. Pauls has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Pauls is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Pauls remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Pauls's dental practice philosophy include fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Pauls provides consultations in English.

Dr. Douglas Victor Pauls 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: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• 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.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.

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

At Dr. Douglas Victor Pauls'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. Pauls frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Pauls helps patients strive for their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. 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.
• Dr. Pauls provides dedicated support for patients going through simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning, always aiming for positive outcomes like their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist), so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Pauls when they first notice concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures, enabling them to once again enjoy confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions without hesitation.
• With Dr. Pauls's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection is focused on achieving their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Pauls's practice is a dental office located in the Marpole neighborhood of Vancouver. It is conveniently situated near the Downtown Entertainment District 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Pauls will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits 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. It is crucial to follow Dr. Pauls's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Pauls is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including 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 offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Pauls also provides education on proper oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Pauls and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Based on this assessment, Dr. Pauls will explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions.

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, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment.

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

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

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Pauls will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

210 - 5687 Yew Street
Vancouver, BC, V6M 3Y2

Phone: (604) 266-t. 2

Dr. Douglas Victor Pauls 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. Pauls 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.