Dr. Oswald Sean Bicknell

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Bicknell. 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): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• 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.

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

At Pleasant Valley 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. Bicknell frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding with Dr. Bicknell's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances once more.
• With Dr. Bicknell's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is focused on achieving their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding without dental concerns.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Bicknell to see patients who were troubled by their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach successfully achieve experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• When an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Bicknell helps patients strive for their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth. This makes participating in activities such as feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Pleasant Valley Dental, where Dr. Bicknell practices, is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bicknell at Pleasant Valley Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Bicknell 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. Bicknell 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 BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, 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 crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Pleasant Valley Dental.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Bicknell will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Bicknell's specific recommendations.

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 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. Bicknell 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).

Pleasant Valley Dental
3607 27 St
Vernon, BC, V1T 4X2

Phone: (250) 558-4222

Dr. Oswald Sean Bicknell 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. Bicknell 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.