Dr. Scott Armand Kollen

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• 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.

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: 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. Kollen. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At River District Dentistry, 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. Kollen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Kollen develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• Dr. Kollen often consults with patients whose an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching significantly limits their enjoyment of concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Kollen provides dedicated support for patients going through an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options, always aiming for positive outcomes like their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• When patients discuss an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected, Dr. Kollen outlines a path to the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.

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

River District Dentistry, where Dr. Kollen practices, is situated in the Champlain Heights, South Vancouver East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Vancouver Lookout and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan, or MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures done in private dental clinics for the general public. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Please verify your eligibility for any public coverage and check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment at River District Dentistry.

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

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

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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Kollen determines the frequency based on your individual needs and follows guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Kollen will personalize your schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits might be needed if managing gum disease or at high caries risk). Follow Dr. Kollen's specific recommendations.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density, and are in good overall health. Dr. Kollen can assess your suitability with a comprehensive examination, including X-rays or 3D imaging. Dr. Kollen can discuss implants and refer you to a specialist if appropriate.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kollen at River District Dentistry?

Your first visit will include a comprehensive dental examination: 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 needed X-rays. Dr. Kollen will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A cleaning may also be performed or scheduled.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Kollen for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with River District Dentistry.

River District Dentistry
3478 Sawmill Crescent
Vancouver, BC, V5S 0E3

Phone: (604) 423-3577

Dr. Scott Armand Kollen 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. Kollen 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.