Dr. Richard Henry Machin

Dr. Richard Henry Machin 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• 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.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.

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

At Dr. Richard Henry Machin'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. Machin frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening is preventing you from fully enjoying speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings or causing discomfort, Dr. Machin offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence at Dr. Machin's practice is consistently achieving finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.
• Effectively addressing an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention with Dr. Machin's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist), enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children and social interactions.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Machin with concerns about a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, making a positive and lasting return to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Machin's practice, a dental office in Powell River, is situated in a central location within the Powell River neighborhood of Powell River. 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.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

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

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). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Machin and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Machin will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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. Machin.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended for most patients. Dr. Machin will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Machin's specific recommendation.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health). Dr. Machin will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

4621 Joyce Ave.
Powell River, BC, V8A 3B4

Phone: (604) 485-2930

Dr. Richard Henry Machin 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. Machin 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.