Dr. Mhairi Margaret Russell – Dentist | Salmon Arm, BC

Dr. Mhairi Margaret Russell is a Dentist. Practicing at Box 608 in Salmon Arm, BC, Dr. Russell is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Russell 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. Russell 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. Russell 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 Box 608.

Dr. Mhairi Margaret Russell earned a Dental Degree. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Russell has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Russell 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. Russell's dedication to staying at the forefront of advancements in the dental field.

Key aspects of Dr. Russell's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Russell provides consultations in English.

Dr. Mhairi Margaret Russell 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): 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

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: 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. Russell. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.

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

At Box 608, 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. Russell frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Russell's clinic, addressing their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• Dr. Russell provides dedicated support for patients going through feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• Dr. Russell's comprehensive care for a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces is meticulously designed to result in experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort without dental worries.
• If their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development is preventing you from fully enjoying their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance or causing discomfort, Dr. Russell offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Russell's practice, Box 608, is situated in a central location within the Salmon Arm neighborhood of Salmon Arm. 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. Russell at Box 608?

Your first visit with Dr. Russell 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. Russell 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 should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Box 608's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Box 608’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (250) 832-7066. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Russell or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Salmon Arm area.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Box 608 directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Russell.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Russell 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. It is important to follow Dr. Russell's specific recommendations.

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 under MSP. 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 crucial 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 at Box 608.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Russell is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures (such as teeth whitening or bonding). General Dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is 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 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. Russell 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).

Box 608
207 - 270 Hudson Ave NE
Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N7

Phone: (250) 832-7066

Dr. Mhairi Margaret Russell 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. Russell 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.