Dr. John Kenneth McGaw

Dr. John Kenneth McGaw 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 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.
• 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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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

• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.

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

At Dr. John Kenneth McGaw'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. McGaw frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. McGaw provides dedicated support for patients going through simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning, always aiming for positive outcomes like their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.
• With Dr. McGaw's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit is focused on achieving the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance without dental concerns.
• When waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. McGaw helps patients strive for their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This makes participating in activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth a pleasant and possible experience again.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time, involves working systematically towards their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. Dr. McGaw expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.

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

Dr. McGaw's practice, a dental office in Courtenay, is situated in the Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near North Island College Comox Valley Campus and is accessible via Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. McGaw 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. McGaw's specific recommendation is key to maintaining 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. McGaw 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McGaw at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. McGaw 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. McGaw 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, 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 is important to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

No, a referral is typically not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You are welcome to contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. McGaw.

10 - 2401 Cliffe Ave
Courtenay, BC, V9N 2L5

Phone: (250) 338-5381

Dr. John Kenneth McGaw 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. McGaw 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.