Dr. Araceli Antipala Javier – Dentist | Qualicum Beach, BC

Dr. Araceli Antipala Javier is a Dentist. Practicing at Qualicum Dental in Qualicum Beach, BC, Dr. Javier is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Javier 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. Javier 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. Javier 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 Qualicum Dental.

Dr. Araceli Antipala Javier earned a Dental Degree. With over 2 years of practice since 2023, Dr. Javier has gained valuable clinical experience. Dr. Javier is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most effective and modern treatments available, reflecting Dr. Javier's ongoing professional development and pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Javier's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Javier is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Filipino.

Dr. Araceli Antipala Javier 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): 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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.

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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• 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.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.

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

At Qualicum 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. Javier frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Javier's clinic, addressing needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional means focusing on patient goals. Achieving gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
• Are you struggling with a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider? Dr. Javier partners with patients to target their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends a much more achievable reality.
• When a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Javier helps patients strive for their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized. This makes participating in activities such as replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Dr. Javier often consults with patients whose a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces significantly limits their enjoyment of simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Qualicum Dental, where Dr. Javier practices, 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Javier 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 treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Javier also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Javier at Qualicum Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Javier and the team at Qualicum 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. Javier will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Javier 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 do if I have a dental emergency outside of Qualicum Dental's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Qualicum Dental’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (250) 752-9122. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Javier or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Qualicum Beach area.

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

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

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

Generally, we recommend check-ups and cleanings every 6 months for most patients as part of preventative care. However, Dr. Javier 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 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 visits. It's important to follow Dr. Javier'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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered under MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may also provide coverage for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance plan before starting treatment at Qualicum Dental.

Qualicum Dental
167 Fern Rd. W
Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S4

Phone: (250) 752-9122

Dr. Araceli Antipala Javier 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. Javier 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.