Dr. Michele Louise Nielsen

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.

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

At Dr. Michele Louise Nielsen'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. Nielsen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Nielsen about their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably is to attain a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• The journey from simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning to wellness often involves Dr. Nielsen's dedicated care. The milestone is experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, which opens the door back to activities such as passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food at Dr. Nielsen's practice is consistently achieving their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially is a common journey for patients under Dr. Nielsen's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, so that daily routines and pleasures like feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day become straightforward again.

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

Dr. Nielsen's practice is a dental office located in the Steveston neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Minoru Park and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of our clinic’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (604) 277-1131. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Nielsen or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Richmond area.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Nielsen will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) 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 at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Nielsen's specific recommendation 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, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do 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 paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (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 important to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Nielsen is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. General Dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

What payment options are available at the clinic for dental services?

For your convenience, our clinic accepts various payment methods, including cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express. We also work with many private dental insurance plans. Please discuss specific payment arrangements and insurance details with our administrative team prior to your treatment. Payment for services is generally expected at the time treatment is rendered.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Nielsen 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. Nielsen will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 radiation exposure. 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. Nielsen will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

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

3951 Steveston Highway
Richmond, BC, V7E 2J9

Phone: (604) 277-1131

Dr. Michele Louise Nielsen 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. Nielsen 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.