Dr. Angharad Jo McShane

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

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: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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 Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. McShane. 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. Angharad Jo McShane adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Angharad Jo McShane'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. McShane frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. McShane's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching is focused on achieving their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain without dental concerns.
• Understanding the frustration concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly can cause, Dr. McShane tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma, Dr. McShane offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• Dr. McShane often consults with patients whose a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns significantly limits their enjoyment of enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. McShane's practice, a dental office in Qualicum Beach, is situated in a central location within the Qualicum Beach neighborhood of Qualicum Beach. The clinic is conveniently located 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. McShane for a check-up and cleaning?

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. McShane will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between appointments. Following Dr. McShane's specific recommendation is key to maintaining optimal oral health.

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 routine dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental services performed in a hospital setting may be covered under MSP. Most dental care costs are covered out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals and families (e.g., children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to carefully review your private dental insurance plan details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are also used to minimize exposure further. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to detect cavities, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. McShane will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A general dentist like Dr. McShane provides primary dental care for patients of 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, initial management of gum disease, and may include some cosmetic procedures (such as whitening or bonding). General dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. McShane offer any sedation options?

Dr. McShane and the team are committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible. While the clinic may not offer all sedation options in-house, Dr. McShane will discuss your anxieties with you and explore various comfort measures and relaxation techniques. If necessary, Dr. McShane can refer you to a specialist who provides sedation dentistry services.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) can include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. Persistent bad breath might also be a sign. If the disease progresses to periodontitis, you may notice receding gums, pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Dr. McShane's office promptly.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist. You can schedule an appointment directly with the clinic.

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

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form and discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr. McShane. A thorough examination of your mouth will be conducted, and digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. McShane will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatment.

167 Fern Road
Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S4

Phone: (250) 752-9122

Dr. Angharad Jo McShane 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. McShane 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.