Dr. David Lawrence James Stevenson – Dentist | Kitimat, BC

Dr. David Lawrence James Stevenson is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Kitimat, BC, Dr. Stevenson is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Stevenson 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. Stevenson 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. Stevenson 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. David Lawrence James Stevenson earned a Dental Degree. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Stevenson has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Stevenson is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Stevenson remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Stevenson's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Stevenson provides consultations in English.

Dr. David Lawrence James Stevenson 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

• 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: 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.

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): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Stevenson. 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): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).

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

At Dr. David Lawrence James Stevenson'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. Stevenson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Stevenson when they first notice their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, enabling them to once again enjoy actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern without hesitation.
• If waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Stevenson develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• Many people seek Dr. Stevenson's professional help and expertise when dealing with concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• For individuals troubled by their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach, Dr. Stevenson's approach is focused on delivering their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth with a healthier smile.

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

Dr. Stevenson's practice, a dental office in Kitimat, is situated in a central location within Kitimat's Kitimat neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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. Stevenson 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 from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Stevenson. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Stevenson identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Stevenson will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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). Always follow Dr. Stevenson's specific recommendation.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Stevenson and the team 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. Stevenson 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 and always check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Stevenson is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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.

201-180 Nechako Centre
Kitimat, BC, V8C 1M8

Phone: (250) 632-4641

Dr. David Lawrence James Stevenson 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. Stevenson 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.