Dr. Richard Dennis Sherwood Hayden – Dentist | Salt Spring Island, BC

Dr. Richard Dennis Sherwood Hayden is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Salt Spring Island, BC, Dr. Hayden is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hayden 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. Hayden 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. Hayden 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. Richard Dennis Sherwood Hayden earned a Dental Degree. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Hayden has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Hayden is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Hayden remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Hayden's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Hayden provides consultations in English.

Dr. Richard Dennis Sherwood Hayden provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.

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

At Dr. Richard Dennis Sherwood Hayden'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. Hayden frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities is preventing you from fully enjoying showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments or causing discomfort, Dr. Hayden offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches, Dr. Hayden offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene, involves working systematically towards experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. Dr. Hayden expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• For those affected by their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably, Dr. Hayden provides solutions that lead to their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.

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

Dr. Hayden's practice, a dental office in Salt Spring Island, is situated in a central location within Salt Spring Island neighborhood of Salt Spring Island. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Generally, preventative check-ups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for most patients. However, Dr. Hayden 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. Hayden's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Hayden.

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 also used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hayden 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).

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

Your first visit with Dr. Hayden 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. Hayden 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

199 Salt Spring Way
Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2G2

Phone: (250) 537-1400

Dr. Richard Dennis Sherwood Hayden 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. Hayden 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.