Dr. Jessica Elizabeth Metcalfe

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

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

At Bowker Creek Dental, 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. Metcalfe frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession is a primary concern, Dr. Metcalfe focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation at Dr. Metcalfe's practice is consistently achieving gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• Dr. Metcalfe often consults with patients whose a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces significantly limits their enjoyment of feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Metcalfe's comprehensive care for a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable is meticulously designed to result in receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without dental worries.

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

Bowker Creek Dental, where Dr. Metcalfe practices, is situated in the Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal BC Museum and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Metcalfe at Bowker Creek Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Metcalfe 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. Metcalfe 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.

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan, or MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures in private clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Bowker Creek Dental.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Metcalfe will personalize your schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors (for cavities or gum disease), and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others may have longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Metcalfe's specific recommendations.

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 used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Metcalfe will determine the frequency, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Metcalfe provides primary dental care for all ages. Services 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 may offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide oral hygiene education and refer to specialists when needed.

Bowker Creek Dental
1990 Fort Street
Victoria, BC, V8R 6V4

Phone: (250) 595-5203

Dr. Jessica Elizabeth Metcalfe 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. Metcalfe 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.