Dr. Jose Antonia Lopez – Dentist | Prince George, BC

Dr. Jose Antonia Lopez is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Prince George, BC, Dr. Lopez is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lopez 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. Lopez 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. Lopez 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. Jose Antonia Lopez earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Lopez has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lopez is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most effective and modern treatments available, reflecting Dr. Lopez's dedication to professional excellence and patient well-being.

Key aspects of Dr. Lopez's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Lopez is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Jose Antonia Lopez 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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• 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 Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• 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.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• 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.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• 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).
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At Dr. Jose Antonia Lopez'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. Lopez frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Lopez and the dental team. The clear aim is always experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Lopez about their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling is to attain feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• Dr. Lopez understands that dealing with waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing and feeling their best.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), Dr. Lopez offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions.

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

Dr. Lopez's practice, a dental office in Prince George, is situated in the West Prince George, College Heights neighborhood of Prince George. The clinic is conveniently located near Two Rivers Gallery and is accessible via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to carefully review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before beginning treatment.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are also used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Lopez will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lopez 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 need more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between appointments. Always follow Dr. Lopez's specific recommendations.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Lopez will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

301-760 Kinsmen Pl
Prince George, BC, V2M 0A8

Phone: (250) 960-2231

Dr. Jose Antonia Lopez 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. Lopez 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.