Dr. Alan Tony Mathew – Dentist | Williams Lake, BC

Dr. Alan Tony Mathew is a Dentist. Practicing at Cariboo Dental Clinic in Williams Lake, BC, Dr. Mathew is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mathew is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. Dr. Mathew provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Mathew serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Cariboo Dental Clinic.

Dr. Alan Tony Mathew earned a Dental Degree. With approximately one year of practice since 2024, Dr. Mathew's clinical experience continues to grow. Dr. Mathew is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Mathew remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and treatment techniques, benefiting patients through access to the latest and most effective approaches to oral health.

Key aspects of Dr. Mathew's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Mathew provides consultations in English.

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

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• 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 Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Mathew. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.

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

At Cariboo Dental Clinic, 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. Mathew frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities is a primary concern, Dr. Mathew focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Mathew to see patients who were troubled by their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli successfully achieve their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist). This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession at Dr. Mathew's practice is consistently achieving experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Mathew with concerns about simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth, making a positive and lasting return to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Mathew's practice, Cariboo Dental Clinic, is situated in a central location within the Williams Lake neighborhood of Williams Lake. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 to further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Mathew will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Mathew for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Cariboo Dental Clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mathew at Cariboo Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Mathew will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a 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 necessary X-rays. Dr. Mathew will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Mathew will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Mathew's specific recommendation.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Cariboo Dental Clinic.

Cariboo Dental Clinic
121 1 Ave N
Williams Lake, BC, V2G 5G8

Phone: (250) 398-7161

Dr. Alan Tony Mathew 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. Mathew 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.