Dr. Allan Jeffrey Karro – Dentist | Richmond, BC

Dr. Allan Jeffrey Karro is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Richmond, BC, Dr. Karro is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Karro 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. Karro 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. Karro 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 the clinic.

Dr. Allan Jeffrey Karro earned a Dental Degree. With over 48 years of practice since 1977, Dr. Karro has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Karro is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most effective and advanced treatments available, reflecting Dr. Karro's unwavering dedication to their profession and the well-being of their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Karro's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Karro provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Allan Jeffrey Karro'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. Karro frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Karro often consults with patients whose their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing significantly limits their enjoyment of no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Karro's comprehensive care for their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure is meticulously designed to result in feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures without dental worries.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Karro with concerns about their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities. 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 their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance not just possible, but highly feasible.
• When their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions, Dr. Karro and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Karro's practice, a dental office in Richmond, is situated in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Karro will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Karro's specific recommendation.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Karro 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. Karro 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Karro is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer 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 taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Karro 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. Karro?

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

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

In BC, 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, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families). Always verify your coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

617-5300 No. 3 Rd
Richmond, BC, V6X 2X9

Phone: (604) 270-0886

Dr. Allan Jeffrey Karro 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. Karro 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.