Dr. Riley Thomas Anderson Miller

Dr. Riley Thomas Anderson Miller provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

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.): 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. Miller. 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.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• 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. Miller. 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. Riley Thomas Anderson Miller adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Eagle Point 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. Miller frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment, Dr. Miller outlines a path to feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• Patients presenting with an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration under Dr. Miller's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time has unfortunately put laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Miller works closely with patients towards attaining experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Dr. Miller often consults with patients whose a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Eagle Point Dental, where Dr. Miller practices, is situated in the North Nanaimo (Hammond Bay area) neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is conveniently located near Nanaimo Museum and is accessible via Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 always used. 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. Miller 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Miller will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some 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. Miller's specific recommendation.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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, social assistance recipients). It is 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 at Eagle Point Dental.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Miller at Eagle Point Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Miller and the team at Eagle Point Dental 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 you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Miller 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. Miller?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Eagle Point Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Miller.

Eagle Point Dental
1-6304 Dover Rd
Nanaimo, BC, V9V 1S4

Phone: (250) 756-4746

Dr. Riley Thomas Anderson Miller 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. Miller 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.