Dr. Debra Joanne Matson – Dentist | 100 Mile House, BC

Dr. Debra Joanne Matson is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in 100 Mile House, BC, Dr. Matson is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Matson 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. Matson 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. Matson 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. Debra Joanne Matson earned a Dental Degree. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Matson has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Matson is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Matson remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Matson's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Matson provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Matson. 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• 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).
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

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

At Dr. Debra Joanne Matson'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. Matson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Matson understands that dealing 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 can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, helping patients comfortably get back to simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly and feeling their best.
• When a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Matson helps patients strive for the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This makes participating in activities such as feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing a pleasant and possible experience again.
• When patients discuss their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider, Dr. Matson outlines a path to feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• Dr. Matson often consults with patients whose recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit significantly limits their enjoyment of smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Matson's practice, a dental office in 100 Mile House, is situated in a central location within the 100 Mile House neighborhood of 100 Mile House. 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.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. The majority of dental care costs are usually paid out-of-pocket by patients, or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors receiving specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to carefully review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Matson will create a personalized schedule based on your unique oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any pre-existing conditions. Some patients might require more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if they have active gum disease or a high risk of cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Matson's specific recommendations.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Matson is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for patients of all ages. These include 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 potentially cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. General Dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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

At your first appointment, Dr. Matson and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You'll complete a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken for a complete assessment. Dr. Matson will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist like Dr. Matson. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit.

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

Modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using minimal radiation, and protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Matson will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

1-536 Horse Lake Rd
100 Mile House, BC, V0K 2E1

Phone: (250) 945-9994

Dr. Debra Joanne Matson 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. Matson 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.