Dr. Michelle Andrea Samosinski – Dentist | Port Alberni, BC

Dr. Michelle Andrea Samosinski is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Port Alberni, BC, Dr. Samosinski is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Samosinski 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. Samosinski 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. Samosinski 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. Michelle Andrea Samosinski earned a Dental Degree. With over 12 years of practice since 2013, Dr. Samosinski has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Samosinski 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. Samosinski's dedication to professional growth and the pursuit of excellence in the dental field.

Key aspects of Dr. Samosinski's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Samosinski is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• 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.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.

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

At Dr. Michelle Andrea Samosinski'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. Samosinski frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident is preventing you from fully enjoying no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care or causing discomfort, Dr. Samosinski offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• If a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods has unfortunately put enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Samosinski works closely with patients towards attaining the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Dr. Samosinski often consults with patients whose wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent significantly limits their enjoyment of feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Samosinski expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, means they can happily and comfortably get back to easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.

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

Dr. Samosinski's practice, a dental office in Port Alberni, is situated in a central location within Port Alberni's Port Alberni neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Samosinski 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 at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Samosinski's specific recommendation.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Samosinski 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. Samosinski 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.

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. 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 groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting 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 during the procedure. 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. Samosinski 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).

2892 3rd Ave
Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 2A8

Phone: (250) 724-6527

Dr. Michelle Andrea Samosinski 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. Samosinski 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.