Dr. Francis James LaCouvee

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

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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. LaCouvee. 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): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.

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

At Dr. Francis James LaCouvee'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. LaCouvee frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems is a common journey for patients under Dr. LaCouvee's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, so that daily routines and pleasures like participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard become straightforward again.
• Many people seek Dr. LaCouvee's professional help and expertise when dealing with a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• Patients presenting with feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease under Dr. LaCouvee's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without the former limitations or discomfort.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. LaCouvee to see patients who were troubled by a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own successfully achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.

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

Dr. LaCouvee's dental practice is conveniently located in a central location within the Qualicum Beach neighborhood of Qualicum Beach. The clinic is situated near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. LaCouvee will personalize your schedule based on your specific needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk might need visits every 3-4 months, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. LaCouvee's specific recommendations.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. LaCouvee is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for all ages. This includes 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, and initial management of gum disease. Cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding may also be offered. Dr. LaCouvee will also educate you on proper oral hygiene and refer you 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 always used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. LaCouvee will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

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

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Your first visit will include a comprehensive 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. LaCouvee will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be part of this visit or scheduled soon after.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. LaCouvee help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. LaCouvee can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings, they may offer conservative management advice or refer you to a specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is needed.

101-183 Fern Rd W
Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S4

Phone: (250) 752-7524

Dr. Francis James LaCouvee 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. LaCouvee 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.