Dr. Robert Alexander Smith

Dr. Robert Alexander Smith 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.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

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 Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.

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

At Dr. Robert Alexander Smith'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. Smith frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Smith's professional help and expertise when dealing with a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Smith to see patients who were troubled by wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances successfully achieve the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• Dr. Smith often consults with patients whose experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth significantly limits their enjoyment of confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Overcoming or effectively managing noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer is a common journey for patients under Dr. Smith's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, so that daily routines and pleasures like resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain become straightforward again.

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

Dr. Smith'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. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Smith and the team at the clinic 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. Smith will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Smith will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Smith's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does 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, 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, or social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before starting treatment.

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

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

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Smith will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

27-370 Davis Road
Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1T9

Phone: (250) 245-7151

Dr. Robert Alexander Smith 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. Smith 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.