Dr. Sean Patrick McCarthy

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

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): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

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: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Dental Pain Emergency

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

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.

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

At Azura Dental, 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. McCarthy frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially is a primary concern, Dr. McCarthy focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. McCarthy to see patients who were troubled by feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning successfully achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
• For those affected by needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury, Dr. McCarthy provides solutions that lead to clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• Managing their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. McCarthy and the dental team. The clear aim is always their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Azura Dental, where Dr. McCarthy practices, is situated in a central location within the Lantzville neighborhood of Lantzville. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McCarthy at Azura Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. McCarthy 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. McCarthy 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.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. McCarthy 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).

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). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. McCarthy 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. Following Dr. McCarthy's specific recommendation is crucial.

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

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

Azura Dental
7184 Lantzville Rd.
Lantzville, BC, V0R 2H0

Phone: (250) 933-8300

Dr. Sean Patrick McCarthy 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. McCarthy 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.