Dr. Karen Joanne Lee – Dentist | Nelson, BC

Dr. Karen Joanne Lee is a Dentist. Practicing at Front Street Dental Group in Nelson, BC, Dr. Lee is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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. Lee 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 Front Street Dental Group.

Dr. Karen Joanne Lee earned a Dental Degree. With over 5 years of practice since 2020, Dr. Lee has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Lee is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most effective and current treatments. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Lee's unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Lee's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Lee provides consultations in English.

Dr. Karen Joanne Lee 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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.

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

At Front Street Dental Group, 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. Lee frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Lee's professional help and expertise when dealing with a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults with Dr. Lee's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity once more.
• For individuals troubled by experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits, Dr. Lee's approach is focused on delivering their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems with a healthier smile.
• If wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lee develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.

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

Front Street Dental Group, where Dr. Lee practices, is situated in a central location within the Nelson neighborhood of Nelson. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Lee 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. Lee at Front Street Dental Group?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lee and the team at Front Street Dental Group will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Lee will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lee will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Lee's specific recommendation.

Front Street Dental Group
601 Front St.
Nelson, BC, V1L 4B6

Phone: (250) 352-2281

Dr. Karen Joanne Lee 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. Lee 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.