Dr. Elizabeth Freida Denison – Dentist | Merritt, BC

Dr. Elizabeth Freida Denison is a Dentist. Practicing at Box 128 in Merritt, BC, Dr. Denison is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Denison 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. Denison 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. Denison 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 Box 128.

Dr. Elizabeth Freida Denison earned a Dental Degree. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Denison has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Denison is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Denison's dedication to professional excellence and the pursuit of knowledge within the ever-evolving field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Denison's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; 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. Denison provides consultations in English.

Dr. Elizabeth Freida Denison provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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.

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

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.

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

At Box 128, 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. Denison frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection with Dr. Denison's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily and social interactions.
• Patients experiencing their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Denison's practice, a key objective is a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them at Dr. Denison's practice is consistently achieving receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Denison when they first notice a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, enabling them to once again enjoy feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos without hesitation.

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

Dr. Denison's practice, Box 128, is situated in a central location within the Merritt neighborhood of Merritt. 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.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Denison 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Denison's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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 <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. 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). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance plan before starting treatment at Box 128.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Denison 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, dental 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. General Dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Denison for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Box 128.

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 to further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Denison 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Denison at Box 128?

At your first appointment, Dr. Denison and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to complete a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Based on the examination, Dr. Denison will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask questions.

Box 128
110 - 1700 Garcia Street
Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8

Phone: (250) 378-4000

Dr. Elizabeth Freida Denison 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. Denison 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.