Dr. Ian Richard Matthew – Dentist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Ian Richard Matthew is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Matthew is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Matthew 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. Matthew 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. Matthew 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. Ian Richard Matthew earned a Dental Degree. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Matthew has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Matthew is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Matthew remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently striving to deliver the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Matthew's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Matthew provides consultations in English.

Dr. Ian Richard Matthew 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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.

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

At Dr. Ian Richard Matthew'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. Matthew frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Matthew's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options is focused on achieving achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun without dental concerns.
• When a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort, Dr. Matthew and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Dr. Matthew often consults with patients whose their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence significantly limits their enjoyment of being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Effectively addressing a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long with Dr. Matthew's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance and social interactions.

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

Dr. Matthew's practice, a dental office in Burnaby, is situated in the Capitol Hill, Burnaby Heights neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan, or MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover routine dental care provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental services performed in a hospital setting may be covered by MSP. Most dental treatment costs are covered either privately (through individual or employer-sponsored dental insurance plans) or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is essential to check your private dental insurance plan details for coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums <em>before</em> treatment. You should also verify if you are eligible for any publicly funded dental programs.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Matthew and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Matthew will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Matthew 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). General Dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when necessary for more complex dental needs.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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 minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Matthew will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual needs and risk factors, adhering to ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most adults, routine check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Matthew will personalize your schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may be able to have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Matthew's specific recommendations.

303-1901 Rosser Ave
Burnaby, BC, V5C 6R6

Phone: (604) 294-8889

Dr. Ian Richard Matthew 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. Matthew 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.