Dr. Erin Michelle Burley – Dentist | Duncan, BC

Dr. Erin Michelle Burley is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Duncan, BC, Dr. Burley is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Burley 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. Burley 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. Burley 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. Erin Michelle Burley earned a Dental Degree. With over 20 years of practice since 2005, Dr. Burley has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Burley 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. Burley's dedication to excellence in the field of dentistry.

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

Dr. Erin Michelle Burley 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.

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

At Dr. Erin Michelle Burley'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. Burley frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Burley and the dental team. The clear aim is always their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Dr. Burley often consults with patients whose needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) significantly limits their enjoyment of biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Many people seek Dr. Burley's professional help and expertise when dealing with feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development, Dr. Burley offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.

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

Dr. Burley's practice, a dental office in Duncan, is situated in a central location within the Duncan neighborhood of Duncan. 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.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Burley will personalize this recommendation based on your individual needs and risk factors. Some patients, for example those managing gum disease or at high risk for cavities, may require more frequent visits (every 3-4 months). Others with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is essential to follow Dr. Burley's specific advice for your optimal oral health.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Burley will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Burley 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 such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Burley also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when necessary for more complex needs.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Burley.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Burley promptly.

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 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). It's crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form and discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr. Burley. A thorough examination of your mouth will follow, including digital X-rays if needed. Dr. Burley will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatment. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

202 - 149 Ingram Street
Duncan, BC, V9L 1N8

Phone: (250) 748-9231

Dr. Erin Michelle Burley 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. Burley 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.