Dr. Shane Michael Gagner – Dentist | Sidney, BC

Dr. Shane Michael Gagner is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Sidney, BC, Dr. Gagner is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gagner 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. Gagner 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. Gagner 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 the clinic.

Dr. Shane Michael Gagner earned a Dental Degree. With over 19 years of practice since 2006, Dr. Gagner has accumulated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Gagner is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Gagner's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Gagner provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shane Michael Gagner 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

• 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: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

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): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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. Gagner. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).

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

At Dr. Shane Michael Gagner'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. Gagner frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Gagner expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• When a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Gagner helps patients strive for their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. This makes participating in activities such as being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Dr. Gagner's comprehensive care for their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli is meticulously designed to result in their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth without dental worries.
• Managing a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Gagner and the dental team. The clear aim is always their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

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

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 always used. 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. Gagner 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).

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Gagner 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 visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Gagner's specific recommendation.

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

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

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. 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). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

At your first appointment, Dr. Gagner and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Gagner will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.

9840 Fifth Street, #101
Sidney, BC, V8L 2X3

Phone: (250) 656-7553

Dr. Shane Michael Gagner 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. Gagner 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.