Dr. Klaus Michael Thomas – Dentist | Chilliwack, BC

Dr. Klaus Michael Thomas is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Chilliwack, BC, Dr. Thomas is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas 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. Thomas 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. Klaus Michael Thomas earned a Dental Degree. With over 59 years of practice since 1966, Dr. Thomas has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Thomas is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Thomas remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to patients.

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

Dr. Klaus Michael Thomas 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.

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: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.

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

At Dr. Klaus Michael Thomas'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. Thomas frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For individuals troubled by their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care, Dr. Thomas's approach is focused on delivering finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain with a healthier smile.
• Dr. Thomas understands that dealing with looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence. and feeling their best.
• A key objective when treating a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation at Dr. Thomas's welcoming dental clinic is achieving no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Thomas about wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age is to attain receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.

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

Dr. Thomas's practice, a dental office in Chilliwack, is situated in the Chilliwack Downtown, Central neighborhood of Chilliwack. The clinic is conveniently located near Vedder Crossing and is accessible via Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting may be covered. The majority of dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may qualify for and to always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before commencing treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Thomas will create a personalized schedule tailored to your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may require more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Thomas's specific recommendations.

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

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

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

Your first visit with Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Thomas 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). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex dental needs.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

For life-threatening dental emergencies (severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening dental issues requiring prompt attention outside regular office hours (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, dental abscess with moderate swelling, broken tooth causing sharp pain), call our main office number at (604) 792-0021. Our voicemail may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Thomas or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service in Chilliwack.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Thomas is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant patient information and that the consultation is appropriate. If Dr. Thomas determines you need specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specialist's office or your insurance provider.

102 - 45625 Hodgins Ave
Chilliwack, BC, V2P 1P2

Phone: (604) 792-0021

Dr. Klaus Michael Thomas 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. Thomas 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.