Dr. James Walter Nelson – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. James Walter Nelson is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Victoria, BC, Dr. Nelson is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Nelson 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. Nelson 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. Nelson 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 Walter Nelson earned a Dental Degree. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Nelson has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Nelson is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments, reflecting Dr. Nelson's dedication to professional excellence and staying at the forefront of advancements in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Nelson's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Nelson provides consultations in English.

Dr. James Walter Nelson 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

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: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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. Nelson. 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: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• 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. Nelson. 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 Walter Nelson adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. James Walter Nelson'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. Nelson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Nelson's practice, a key objective is a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• For patients where a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment is a primary concern, Dr. Nelson focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age, Dr. Nelson offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.
• Understanding the frustration a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma can cause, Dr. Nelson tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.

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

Dr. Nelson's practice, a dental office in Victoria, is situated in the Victoria West, Esquimalt (overlaps) neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Antique Row and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-sponsored), or government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, maximums) before treatment.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Nelson will personalize this schedule based on your individual 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 for those managing gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent oral health may have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Nelson's specific recommendations.

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

Dental X-rays are safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Nelson determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and history, following the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

At your first appointment, Dr. Nelson and the team will gather your medical history, discuss your dental concerns and goals, and perform a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Nelson will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. This is an opportunity to ask questions.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to see a general dentist like Dr. Nelson for check-ups, cleanings, or consultations. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

105 - 1505 Admirals Rd.
Victoria, BC, V9A 2P8

Phone: (250) 477-4444

Dr. James Walter Nelson 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. Nelson 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.