Bliss Dental Questions, answered
Common questions from our Richmond patients — from insurance and CDCP to children’s first visits, x-rays, whitening and more. Don’t see yours? Give us a call.
Do you accept CDCP Insurance?＋
Yes, we accept CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan). Any costs not fully covered are explained before treatment, so there are no surprises.
What is the true cost of dental care in BC?＋
The BC Dental Association publishes a dental fee guide annually — a guideline dentists may choose to follow. At Bliss Dental, our fees are in accordance with the BC fee guide for most common procedures. Call us to find out more.
Will my insurance cover my treatment?＋
Coverage depends on your plan. Most major carriers provide 80–100% for preventative (e.g. cleaning) and basic (e.g. filling) services. Call us and we’ll help you navigate your benefits.
I have a dental emergency! What do I do?＋
Call us or book online — we’d love to see you as soon as possible, and we pride ourselves on same-day treatment whenever appropriate. We understand how stressful a dental emergency can be.
At what age should my child start seeing the dentist?＋
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, or by one year of age.
What can I expect on my child’s first visit?＋
We call it a happy visit — a chance for your child to get familiar with the dental setting and for you to ask questions. We go over oral hygiene and diet, and complete an exam and polish if possible.
What toothpaste should I use for my child?＋
Under 3: training toothpaste without fluoride, or none. From around 3, once they can rinse and spit, use a fluoride toothpaste regularly. Help brush their teeth until age 6.
When does the first tooth fall out?＋
Usually the lower front incisor between ages 4–7; the first adult molar (the “6-year molar”) erupts around the same time.
Do I need to see a dentist if my teeth feel fine?＋
Yes. We look at more than just your teeth — a comprehensive oral exam evaluates the hard and soft tissue of your head and neck. Like high blood pressure, many oral and dental diseases are silent until they become severe, so it’s critical to catch them early while they’re easy to treat.
How often should I see a dentist?＋
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a check-up at least every 6 months, and a professional cleaning at least every 6 months for most people — the goal is to catch problems early while they’re still small.
Why do I need x-rays?＋
There’s a limit to what we can see with the naked eye. Radiographs reveal what’s inside teeth and under the gums — cavities, bone loss, infection, tooth formation and more. Keeping them updated gives a fuller picture of your oral health.
Can whitening damage my teeth?＋
In moderation, no. Overuse can damage enamel or root structure — your dentist will suggest an appropriate frequency.
What is a root canal?＋
When a tooth’s nerve is irreversibly damaged by decay, a large filling, a crack or trauma, a root canal removes the diseased nerve tissue to clear the infection and relieve pain — think of it as a very deep filling that takes the pain away.
What is a nightguard?＋
A custom, thin thermoplastic appliance that protects your teeth during clenching and grinding, and can ease the headaches, sore muscles and jaw aches those habits cause.
What’s the difference between a sportsguard and a nightguard?＋
A sportsguard protects against fractured teeth and soft-tissue injury during contact sports; a nightguard protects against wear from clenching and grinding.