Dr. Shauna Lee Palmer – Dentist | West Kelowna, BC

Dr. Shauna Lee Palmer is a Dentist. Practicing at Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc in West Kelowna, BC, Dr. Palmer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Palmer 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. Palmer 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. Palmer 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 Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc.

Dr. Shauna Lee Palmer earned a Dental Degree. With over 32 years of practice since 1993, Dr. Palmer has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Palmer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Palmer remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Palmer's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Palmer provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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

• 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.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc, 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. Palmer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Palmer provides dedicated support for patients going through needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect, always aiming for positive outcomes like understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant at Dr. Palmer's practice is consistently achieving feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped.
• Dr. Palmer often consults with patients whose a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For patients where a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long is a primary concern, Dr. Palmer focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child participating happily in school photos and social activities.

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

Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc is situated in the Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna Estates neighborhood of West Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and is accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Palmer. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Palmer identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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). Verify any potential public coverage and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment at Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative care visits every 6 months are generally recommended. Dr. Palmer will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Palmer's specific recommendation.

Does Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Palmer at Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc?

Your first visit 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. Palmer will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Palmer is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 gum disease management, and cosmetic procedures (if offered). They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary. Dr. Palmer 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).

Dr. Shauna Palmer Inc
2446 Main St
West Kelowna, BC, V4T 1Z1

Phone: (250) 768-3984

Dr. Shauna Lee Palmer 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. Palmer 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.