Dr. Cristina Coca – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Cristina Coca is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Victoria, BC, Dr. Coca is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Coca 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. Coca 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. Coca 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. Cristina Coca earned a Dental Degree. With over 22 years of practice since 2003, Dr. Coca has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Coca is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Coca remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Coca's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Coca is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French and Romanian.

Dr. Cristina Coca 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): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.

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

At Dr. Cristina Coca'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. Coca frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain, Dr. Coca outlines a path to experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking.
• If an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Coca develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• Through Dr. Coca's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially often find they can readily achieve the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• Dr. Coca often consults with patients whose having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard significantly limits their enjoyment of confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Coca's practice, a dental office in Victoria, is situated in the Burnside Gorge, Hillside-Quadra neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Coho/Clipper Ferry Terminals and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Coca 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. Coca 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. Coca at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Coca 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. Coca 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.

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 by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

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

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

For most adults, a check-up and cleaning every six months is generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Coca 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), while others might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is important to follow Dr. Coca's specific recommendations.

601-740 Hillside Ave
Victoria, BC, V8T 1Z4

Phone: (250) 384-7141

Dr. Cristina Coca 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. Coca 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.