Dr. Ryan Scott Lauwers – Dentist | Port Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Ryan Scott Lauwers is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Port Coquitlam, BC, Dr. Lauwers is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lauwers 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. Lauwers 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. Lauwers 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. Ryan Scott Lauwers earned a Dental Degree. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Lauwers has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lauwers is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Lauwers's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Lauwers's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Lauwers provides consultations in English.

Dr. Ryan Scott Lauwers 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

• 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

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

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.

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.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.

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

At Dr. Ryan Scott Lauwers'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. Lauwers frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lauwers develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity, involves working systematically towards no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment. Dr. Lauwers expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.
• Dr. Lauwers expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• The journey from a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods to wellness often involves Dr. Lauwers's dedicated care. The milestone is their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, which opens the door back to activities such as confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.

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

Dr. Lauwers's practice, a dental office in Port Coquitlam, is situated in the Central Port Coquitlam neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Port Coquitlam City Hall and is easily accessible via TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lauwers 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, and dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include some cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Lauwers also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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. Lauwers.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Lauwers offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Lauwers focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Lauwers 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. Lauwers 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). Always check your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for 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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Lauwers 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 do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

For life-threatening emergencies (severe bleeding, difficulty breathing due to swelling, significant facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, abscess, broken tooth), call our main office number at (604) 941-4064. Our voicemail may provide instructions for emergency contact or direct you to an emergency dental service.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Lauwers will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits for active gum disease or high caries risk). Follow Dr. Lauwers's specific recommendation.

2256 Elgin Ave
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 2B2

Phone: (604) 941-4064

Dr. Ryan Scott Lauwers 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. Lauwers 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.