Dr. Kevin Shawn Lathangue – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Kevin Shawn Lathangue is a Dentist. Practicing at Latoria Dental Centre in Victoria, BC, Dr. Lathangue is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lathangue 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. Lathangue 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. Lathangue 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 Latoria Dental Centre.

Dr. Kevin Shawn Lathangue earned a Dental Degree. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Lathangue has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lathangue 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 available, reflecting Dr. Lathangue's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Lathangue'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. Lathangue provides consultations in English.

Dr. Kevin Shawn Lathangue 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.

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

At Latoria Dental Centre, 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. Lathangue frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening with Dr. Lathangue's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth and social interactions.
• Dr. Lathangue understands that dealing with their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile and feeling their best.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Lathangue when they first notice a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns, enabling them to once again enjoy singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun without hesitation.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances, Dr. Lathangue offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.

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

Latoria Dental Centre, where Dr. Lathangue practices, is situated in a well-regarded dental office in the Victoria neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 for the general population. 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 groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before beginning treatment at Latoria Dental Centre.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Latoria Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lathangue.

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 further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Lathangue 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lathangue will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It is important to follow Dr. Lathangue's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lathangue at Latoria Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Lathangue 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. Lathangue 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.

Latoria Dental Centre
111 - 611Brookside Rd.
Victoria, BC, V9C 0C3

Phone: (778) 265-5070

Dr. Kevin Shawn Lathangue 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. Lathangue 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.