Dr. Francois Girard – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Francois Girard is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Victoria, BC, Dr. Girard is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Girard 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. Girard 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. Girard 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. Francois Girard earned a Dental Degree. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Girard has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Girard is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Girard's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

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

Dr. Francois Girard 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

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

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• 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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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. Girard. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.

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

At Dr. Francois Girard'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. Girard frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Girard about persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is to attain their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Girard with concerns about experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, making a positive and lasting return to feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos not just possible, but highly feasible.
• For patients where a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable is a primary concern, Dr. Girard focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• When patients discuss a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them, Dr. Girard outlines a path to finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.

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

Dr. Girard's dental practice is conveniently located in the Burnside Gorge, Hillside-Quadra neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is situated near the Royal BC Museum and is easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near 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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Girard 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Girard typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Girard 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). Dr. Girard also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Girard help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Girard can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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 or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

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

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

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended for most patients. However, Dr. Girard will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Girard's specific recommendation.

202-1581 Hillside Ave
Victoria, BC, V8T 2C1

Phone: (250) 592-7874

Dr. Francois Girard 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. Girard 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.