Dr. Marissa Ann Multari – Dentist | Courtenay, BC

Dr. Marissa Ann Multari is a Dentist. Practicing at Driftwood Dental in Courtenay, BC, Dr. Multari is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Multari 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. Multari 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. Multari 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 Driftwood Dental.

Dr. Marissa Ann Multari earned a Dental Degree. With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Multari has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Multari 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. Multari's dedication to their professional growth and the well-being of their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Multari's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Multari provides consultations in English.

Dr. Marissa Ann Multari 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

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

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.

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

• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• 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.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.

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

At Driftwood Dental, 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. Multari frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems under Dr. Multari's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues without the former limitations or discomfort.
• A key objective when treating feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth at Dr. Multari's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• At Dr. Multari's clinic, addressing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history means focusing on patient goals. Achieving clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• When one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile, Dr. Multari and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Driftwood Dental, where Dr. Multari practices, is situated in the Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Courtenay and is accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Multari can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Multari can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Multari 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). Dr. Multari also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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). Always check the details of your private dental insurance or potential public coverage before starting treatment at Driftwood Dental.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Multari at Driftwood Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Multari 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. Multari 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.

Does Driftwood Dental 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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Multari 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).

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Multari will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some 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). Follow Dr. Multari's specific recommendation.

Driftwood Dental
2401 Cliffe Ave, #10
Courtenay, BC, V9N 2L5

Phone: (250) 338-5381

Dr. Marissa Ann Multari 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. Multari 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.