Dr. Erik Norman Schien

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• 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.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• 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.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

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

At Smili Dental Powell River, 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. Schien frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Schien understands that dealing with a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, helping patients comfortably get back to travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies and feeling their best.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Schien to see patients who were troubled by needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional successfully achieve a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• For patients where wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is a primary concern, Dr. Schien focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Schien when they first notice needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, enabling them to once again enjoy enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity without hesitation.

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

Smili Dental Powell River, where Dr. Schien practices, is situated in a central location within the Powell River neighborhood of Powell River. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Smili Dental Powell River directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Schien.

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 exposure. 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. Schien 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. Schien at Smili Dental Powell River?

Your first visit with Dr. Schien 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. Schien 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.

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

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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). It is 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 at Smili Dental Powell River.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Schien 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Schien will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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. It's essential to follow Dr. Schien's specific recommendation.

Smili Dental Powell River
#2 and #6 7100 Alberni St
Powell River, BC, V8A 5K9

Phone: (604) 485-2851

Dr. Erik Norman Schien 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. Schien 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.