Dr. Andrea Janelle Baird – Dentist | Vernon, BC

Dr. Andrea Janelle Baird is a Dentist. Practicing at Sun Valley Family Dental in Vernon, BC, Dr. Baird is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Baird 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. Baird 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. Baird 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 Sun Valley Family Dental.

Dr. Andrea Janelle Baird earned a Dental Degree. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. Baird has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Baird is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Baird's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Baird's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; 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. Baird provides consultations in English.

Dr. Andrea Janelle Baird 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.

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

At Sun Valley Family Dental, 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. Baird frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Baird and the dental team. The clear aim is always their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Effectively addressing a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident with Dr. Baird's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions and social interactions.
• Patients presenting with a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral under Dr. Baird's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Understanding the frustration a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about can cause, Dr. Baird tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, allowing for renewed participation in activities like enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth.

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

Sun Valley Family Dental, where Dr. Baird practices, is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near Vernon Jubilee Hospital and is accessible via Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). 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 always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Baird 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Baird at Sun Valley Family Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Baird and the team at Sun Valley Family Dental will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Baird will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Sun Valley Family Dental.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Sun Valley Family Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Baird.

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

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

Sun Valley Family Dental
3334 30th Ave Suite 201
Vernon, BC, V1T 2C8

Phone: (250) 542-2776

Dr. Andrea Janelle Baird 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. Baird 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.