Dr. Melissa Erasmus – Dentist | Port Moody, BC

Dr. Melissa Erasmus is a Dentist. Practicing at Westport Dental in Port Moody, BC, Dr. Erasmus is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Erasmus 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. Erasmus 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. Erasmus 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 Westport Dental.

Dr. Melissa Erasmus earned a Dental Degree. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. Erasmus has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Erasmus 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. Erasmus's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Erasmus's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Erasmus is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Afrikaans.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• 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.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• 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.

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

At Westport 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. Erasmus frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite with Dr. Erasmus's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth once more.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Erasmus to see patients who were troubled by a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces successfully achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• If a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation is preventing you from fully enjoying experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day or causing discomfort, Dr. Erasmus offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Through Dr. Erasmus's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing often find they can readily achieve achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.

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

Westport Dental, where Dr. Erasmus practices, is situated in the Port Moody Centre, Heritage Mountain, Ioco neighborhood of Port Moody. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment at Westport Dental.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Erasmus determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Erasmus at Westport Dental?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive examination: 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. Erasmus will discuss findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.

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

No, you generally don't need a referral to see a general dentist for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with Westport Dental.

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

For most, check-ups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Erasmus will personalize your schedule based on your oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits might be needed for active gum disease or high caries risk). Follow Dr. Erasmus's specific recommendations.

Westport Dental
611-220 Brew St
Port Moody, BC, V3H 0H6

Phone: (604) 682-2000

Dr. Melissa Erasmus 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. Erasmus 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.