Your questions, answered.

Crown Isle Dental generally recommends a cleaning and check-up every 6 months. For patients with signs of gum disease, we recommend every 3 months to manage and prevent further progression. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.

Research shows links between poor oral health and conditions including heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, and systemic conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Regular dental visits are an important part of your overall health care.

Yes, some sensitivity is normal, especially if it has been a while since your last cleaning. We offer local anesthetic and desensitizing treatments to keep you comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth, let us know before your appointment so we can prepare. The sensitivity typically resolves within a day or two.

Yes. Teeth grinding can cause significant wear, jaw pain, and headaches over time. Crown Isle Dental can assess your bite and provide custom night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep. If you notice jaw soreness, worn teeth, or disrupted sleep, mention it at your next visit.

Call us at 250-338-2599 as soon as possible. We offer same-day emergency appointments for urgent situations including severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings, and swelling. If it is after hours and you have severe swelling or difficulty breathing, go to your nearest emergency room.

Yes. Crown Isle Dental has placed only mercury-free, BPA-free composite fillings since 1996. We use materials chosen for longevity, safety, and a natural appearance that blends with your existing teeth.

Yes. Crown Isle Dental offers professional teeth whitening. Results vary significantly between individuals depending on the existing shade of your teeth, lifestyle factors, and other considerations. Your dentist can discuss whether whitening is suitable for you and what results may be realistic for your specific situation. Touch-ups may be needed over time.

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and Ativan. Nitrous oxide is safe, short-acting, and reduces anxiety and gag reflex. Ativan is prescribed an hour before your appointment for deeper relaxation; you will need a driver. Sedation is available for patients of all ages, including children. Ask us about your options when you book.

Yes, Crown Isle Dental provides restorative implant care as part of our comprehensive services. Implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth that look and function like natural teeth. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs after a thorough assessment.

Yes. Crown Isle Dental performs oral cancer screening using the VELscope, a safe, non-invasive blue-light instrument that highlights abnormalities in oral tissue. The exam takes under 5 minutes and has no rinses or dyes. We also perform a head, neck, and mucosal exam at every comprehensive check-up. Your dentist will advise on appropriate screening frequency based on your individual health history.

Yes. We offer clear aligners (removable and discreet) as well as traditional braces for children, teens, and adults. Straighter teeth are healthier teeth: better alignment improves chewing function, reduces wear, and makes oral hygiene easier. Ask us at your next visit whether orthodontic treatment is right for you.

We recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help us monitor development, establish healthy habits, and make dental care a comfortable experience from the start.

Before teeth appear, gently wipe your baby's gums with a damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth emerge, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Avoid sharing utensils, limit sugary drinks, and offer a balanced diet to protect developing teeth.

Yes. Crown Isle Dental provides preventive and family care for patients of all ages, including children. We create a calm, welcoming environment to help young patients feel at ease and develop positive associations with dental visits from an early age.

A smear of fluoride toothpaste can be used as soon as the first tooth appears. Increase to a pea-sized amount around age 3, once your child can spit reliably. Choose an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste and supervise brushing until about age 7 or 8 to ensure thorough cleaning.

Yes, Crown Isle Dental works with most major Canadian dental insurance plans. We recommend bringing your insurance card to your first appointment. Our team can help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits. For specific coverage questions, it is best to contact your insurance provider directly before your visit.

Patients without insurance are welcome at Crown Isle Dental. We will provide a clear breakdown of treatment costs before proceeding with any care. Please call 250-338-2599 or email [email protected] to discuss your situation before your visit.

The cost of a comprehensive new patient exam varies depending on your individual needs, the X-rays required, and whether a cleaning is performed at the same visit. We follow the BC Dental Association fee guide. Your team will provide a clear treatment plan with associated costs before any work begins so there are no surprises.

Yes. Before any treatment begins, Crown Isle Dental provides a written treatment plan with associated costs. We believe you should never be surprised by a bill, so we walk through every cost with you and answer your questions before proceeding.

Crown Isle Dental exceeds the standards set by the BC Dental Association (BCDA). Our clinic features a built-in clinic-wide air purification system, strict medical-grade sterilization protocols for all instruments and equipment, and meticulously cleaned patient rooms after every visit.

Digital X-rays let us detect issues invisible to the eye: decay between teeth, infections at the root level, gum disease, and more. Adults generally need bitewing X-rays every two years and a full series at their initial comprehensive exam. X-rays are always recommended based on your individual risk and benefit factors, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

Yes. Crown Isle Dental uses digital X-ray technology, which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays. The diagnostic benefits of detecting decay, infection, and bone loss early far outweigh the minimal radiation involved. We follow guidelines from the BC College of Oral Health Professionals in prescribing X-rays.

The VELscope is a non-invasive oral cancer screening tool that uses safe blue light to highlight abnormal tissue not visible to the naked eye. It takes under 5 minutes, requires no rinses or dyes, and is included in every new patient comprehensive exam at Crown Isle Dental. Your dentist will advise on the appropriate screening frequency based on your health history and risk factors.

We use a digital intraoral scanner, an in-house 3D dental printer, digital X-ray sensors, and operate a fully paperless office. We invest in technology that genuinely improves your care: shorter appointments, more accurate diagnoses, and better outcomes.