Dr. Matthew Willam McMillan

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• 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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.

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

At Dr. Matthew Willam McMillan'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. McMillan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. McMillan develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. McMillan when they first notice feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, enabling them to once again enjoy feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos without hesitation.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. McMillan to see patients who were troubled by one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly successfully achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• The journey from a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially to wellness often involves Dr. McMillan's dedicated care. The milestone is their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved, which opens the door back to activities such as feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.

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

Dr. McMillan's practice, a dental office in Ladysmith, is situated in a central location within the Ladysmith neighborhood of Ladysmith. 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.

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

Your first visit with Dr. McMillan 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. McMillan 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. McMillan is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These 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 also include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. McMillan also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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 (MSP) does not typically 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, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals and families (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. McMillan 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 require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may have longer intervals. Following Dr. McMillan's specific recommendation is essential.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist like Dr. McMillan. You can contact the clinic directly to book your appointment.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. McMillan help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. McMillan can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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 during the procedure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. McMillan 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).

710 First Avenue PO Box 1870
Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1B4

Phone: (250) 245-8515

Dr. Matthew Willam McMillan 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. McMillan 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.