Dr. Michael Hideshi Fenrich – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Michael Hideshi Fenrich is a Dentist. Practicing at Kits Family Dental in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Fenrich is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Fenrich 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. Fenrich 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. Fenrich 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 Kits Family Dental.

Dr. Michael Hideshi Fenrich earned a Dental Degree. With over 8 years of practice since 2017, Dr. Fenrich has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Fenrich is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment reflects Dr. Fenrich's unwavering dedication to professional excellence and providing exceptional patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Fenrich's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Fenrich provides consultations in English.

Dr. Michael Hideshi Fenrich 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

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.

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

At Kits Family 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. Fenrich frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Fenrich to see patients who were troubled by needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) 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 replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• When needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence, Dr. Fenrich and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Patients experiencing an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Fenrich's practice, a key objective is the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• Effectively addressing their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach with Dr. Fenrich's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance and social interactions.

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

Kits Family Dental, where Dr. Fenrich practices, is situated in the Kerrisdale South, Dunbar South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near 'The Drive' Neighbourhood and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Fenrich at Kits Family Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Fenrich and the team at Kits Family Dental 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. Fenrich will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Fenrich will personalize your visit schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing dental conditions. For example, patients managing active gum disease or those at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Fenrich's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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 always used to further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or to plan more complex treatments. Dr. Fenrich will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does not 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 usually paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals and families (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is essential to check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to review your private dental insurance plan details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Kits Family Dental.

Kits Family Dental
209-2223 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC, V6K 2E4

Phone: (604) 738-1816

Dr. Michael Hideshi Fenrich 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. Fenrich 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.