Dr. Michael David O’Brien – Dentist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Michael David O'Brien is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Burnaby, BC, Dr. O'Brien is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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. Michael David O'Brien earned a Dental Degree. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. O'Brien's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. O'Brien is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. O'Brien's dedication to professional excellence and patient well-being.

Key aspects of Dr. O'Brien's dental practice philosophy include a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. O'Brien provides consultations in English.

Dr. Michael David O'Brien 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• 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.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• 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): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Dr. Michael David O'Brien'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. O'Brien frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. O'Brien's practice, a key objective is clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. O'Brien about simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning is to attain their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• When patients discuss concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history, Dr. O'Brien outlines a path to their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• For patients where a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is a primary concern, Dr. O'Brien focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.

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

Dr. O'Brien's practice, a dental office in Burnaby, is situated in the Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Your first visit with Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. O'Brien will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or are at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between visits. It is crucial to follow Dr. O'Brien's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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 (MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance policy before beginning treatment.

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 further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. O'Brien 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).

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. O'Brien?

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You are welcome to contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. O'Brien.

208-3815 Sunset St.
Burnaby, BC, V5G 1T4

Phone: (604) 438-2464

Dr. Michael David O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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.