If you are a new patient preparing for your first visit to our Fort St. John dental office, we invite you to browse the information below.
About Fort St. John Dental Clinic
At Fort St. John Dental Clinic, you'll find the dental treatment options you need to optimize your oral health. We provide comprehensive dental services in a calm welcoming office environment.
Reminders For Your First Visit
To help streamline the process and ensure that we have all the information we need, we ask you to bring the current information about your insurance plan and medical history to your first appointment.
To ensure that you have enough time to fill out our New Patient Form please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Read some frequently asked questions about our office and dental services.
- What hours are you open throughout the week?
Our office is open the following hours:
- Monday:08:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Tuesday:08:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Wednesday:08:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Thursday:08:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Friday:08:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed
- Are you taking on new patients?
Yes! We are happy to accept new patients. Contact us to request an appointment.
- Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes, if you have a dental insurance plan, we will take care of all the paperwork so that all the benefits to which you are entitled are reimbursed to you.
- Do you offer teeth whitening?
Yes, our dental professionals will discuss teeth whitening options with you and recommend what we feel would work best given your specific unique situation.
- How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Based on the condition of your mouth, your home care, cavity (caries) risk and dental health habits preventive treatment recommendations vary.
For clients with existing conditions (untreated cavities, gum disease, root exposure, frequent new cavities) we recommend that you come in more frequently than those with healthy mouths and few restorations.
Patients who are considered ‘at risk’ should be coming in every 3-4 months to minimize further damage.
For those clients with healthy smiles we recommend visiting the office every 6 months.
- Do you offer dental implants?
Yes, at Fort St. John Dental Clinic we have extensive experience performing implant surgery and provide implants to our patients on a regular basis.
It is easy to imagine how much better life can be with dental implants when you compare the time investment that dental implant therapy requires versus the repeated office visits required for bridges and dentures.
- What if my insurance only covers cleanings every 9 months?
Insurance policies differ. The ‘9 month rule’ generally refers to how frequently you can have a ‘recall examination, polish and fluoride’. This does not mean you can not have your teeth cleaned.
Cleaning actually refers ‘scraping’ or scaling/root planing, which is the removal of the deposit and stain from your teeth so that the gum tissue do not become irritated and bleed.
- What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Make an appointment to see your dentist and hygienist have any of the following symptoms:
- persistent bad breath or bad taste
- gums that bleed easily
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- red, swollen or tender gums
- permanent teeth that are loose or spreading
- pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
- any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- any changes in the fit of partial dentures
- Why do I need x-rays?
X-rays, or radiographs help our dental professionals to spot problems we can’t see by simply looking into your mouth with a mirror. They are helpful for seeing between the teeth and beneath the gum tissue.
X-rays help us to spot the early stages of cavities, allow us to see the presence or absence of teeth (missing permanent teeth, erupting teeth, impacted teeth, the position of wisdom teeth), and the level of the bone (which often breaks down during advanced gum disease or following tooth extraction).
Cysts and abscesses can also be discovered with radiographs; even calcified arteries that can lead to a stroke.
Fees & Payment
We endeavour to provide you with a thorough and accurate estimate of our fees prior to providing any treatment. We promise to never charge you more than our estimate, without advising you first.
We accept payment by credit card and debit.
Insurance
If you have a dental insurance plan, we will take care of the paperwork for easy reimbursement.
Financing
Health Smart Financial Services Inc offers an easy-to use extended financing option for the more expensive treatments you may require.
Scheduling Policy
We respect your time and try our best to stay on schedule. We send out automated email appointment reminders one week in advance, and again one day in advance, to ensure that we will honour each others’ time.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel or move your appointment, we respectfully ask that you provide us with as much notice as possible.
Emergencies
If you have pain or an emergency situation, call us right away. We will do our best to see you as soon as possible.
Patient Education
Long-term oral health success relies on patients staying well informed and educated about their dental health. That's why patient education is one of our first priorities. We take the time to ensure you completely understand the details of your dental health status and all procedures you undergo.