Dr. James Martin Sweeney – Dentist | West Vancouver, BC

Dr. James Martin Sweeney is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in West Vancouver, BC, Dr. Sweeney is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Sweeney 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. Sweeney 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. Sweeney 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. James Martin Sweeney earned a Dental Degree. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. Sweeney has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Sweeney is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the benefit of the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing Dr. Sweeney to consistently deliver the highest standard of care.

Key aspects of Dr. Sweeney's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Sweeney provides consultations in English.

Dr. James Martin Sweeney 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.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Dental Pain Emergency

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

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Sweeney. 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: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• 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).
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.

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

At Dr. James Martin Sweeney'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. Sweeney frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Sweeney's comprehensive care for a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming is meticulously designed to result in their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health without dental worries.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Sweeney to see patients who were troubled by their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to successfully achieve their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues.
• Effectively addressing a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food with Dr. Sweeney's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage and social interactions.
• Managing experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Sweeney and the dental team. The clear aim is always achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Dr. Sweeney's practice, a dental office in West Vancouver, is situated in the British Properties, Sentinel Hill neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Park Royal Shopping Centre and is accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Sweeney 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 require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. Sweeney's 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 to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan for more complex treatments. Dr. Sweeney 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), meaning we use the lowest radiation dose possible to obtain the necessary diagnostic information.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Sweeney 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), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Sweeney also provides education on proper oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Sweeney and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health history. You will fill out a medical history form, and have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have. This will be followed by a thorough examination of your mouth, and digital X-rays may be taken to obtain a complete picture of your oral health. Based on this assessment, Dr. Sweeney will explain their findings and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

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 under specific circumstances. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may also provide coverage for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It is essential to check your private dental insurance coverage and any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

207-1425 Marine Dr
West Vancouver, BC, V7T 1B9

Phone: (778) 952-5682

Dr. James Martin Sweeney 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. Sweeney 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.