Dr. Emily Caren Phillips – Dentist | Summerland, BC

Dr. Emily Caren Phillips is a Dentist. Practicing at Summerland Dental Centre in Summerland, BC, Dr. Phillips is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Phillips 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. Phillips 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. Phillips 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 Summerland Dental Centre.

Dr. Emily Caren Phillips earned a Dental Degree. With over 5 years of practice since 2020, Dr. Phillips has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Phillips is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Phillips's dedication to providing exceptional care.

Key aspects of Dr. Phillips's dental practice philosophy include: 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; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Phillips provides consultations in English.

Dr. Emily Caren Phillips 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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At Summerland Dental Centre, 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. Phillips frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Phillips's practice, a key objective is feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• Dr. Phillips provides dedicated support for patients going through persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• A key objective when treating a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma at Dr. Phillips's welcoming dental clinic is achieving feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• For patients where their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure is a primary concern, Dr. Phillips focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences.

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

Summerland Dental Centre, where Dr. Phillips practices, is situated in a central location within the Summerland neighbourhood of Summerland. 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Phillips at Summerland Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Phillips 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. Phillips 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.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Phillips will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients 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. It is essential to follow Dr. Phillips' specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Phillips 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).

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 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Summerland Dental Centre.

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

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

Summerland Dental Centre
13009 Rosedale Ave
Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0

Phone: (250) 494-9711

Dr. Emily Caren Phillips 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. Phillips 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.