Dr. Michael John Racich

Dr. Michael John Racich 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: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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.
• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

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. Racich. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• 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.
• 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.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.

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

At Dr. Michael John Racich'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. Racich frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite has unfortunately put their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Racich works closely with patients towards attaining their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard with Dr. Racich's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain once more.
• Many people seek Dr. Racich's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth.
• When a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them, Dr. Racich and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Racich's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Vancouver Lookout and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). 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 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>may</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or through 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 to check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Racich 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. Racich at the clinic?

At your first appointment, Dr. Racich and the team will review your medical history, discuss your dental concerns and goals, and perform a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Racich will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. It's an opportunity to ask questions.

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

No, a referral is generally not needed to see a general dentist like Dr. Racich for check-ups, cleanings, or consultations. You can usually book an appointment directly.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Racich will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors (for cavities or gum disease), and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have longer intervals. Follow Dr. Racich's specific recommendations.

#407-1770 W. 7th Ave.
Vancouver, BC, V6J 4Y6

Phone: (604) 736-3808

Dr. Michael John Racich 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. Racich 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.