Dr. Stephanie Hope Allan

Dr. Stephanie Hope Allan 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

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• 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

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Allan. 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• 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. Allan. 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. Stephanie Hope Allan adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Bayview Dental & Implant Center, 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. Allan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Allan's comprehensive care for wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age is meticulously designed to result in a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection without dental worries.
• Patients presenting with wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits under Dr. Allan's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding without the former limitations or discomfort.
• When patients discuss feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals, Dr. Allan outlines a path to the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Allan with concerns about a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, making a positive and lasting return to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Bayview Dental & Implant Center, where Dr. Allan practices, is situated in a central location within the Qualicum Beach neighborhood of Qualicum Beach. 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.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Allan 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, some patients may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is essential to follow Dr. Allan's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Allan 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, 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 whitening or bonding. Dr. Allan also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex dental needs.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Bayview Dental & Implant Center directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Allan.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Allan at Bayview Dental & Implant Center?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Allan and the team at Bayview Dental & Implant Center will focus on getting to know you and your oral health history. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals you have, and undergo a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to aid in diagnosis. Dr. Allan will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

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 by MSP. The majority of 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 and families (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any public coverage you might be eligible for and to thoroughly review your private dental insurance plan details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Bayview Dental & Implant Center.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Bayview Dental & Implant Center's regular office hours?

For life-threatening dental emergencies (severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911. For urgent, non-life-threatening dental issues requiring immediate attention outside of office hours (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, dental abscess with moderate swelling, broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call Bayview Dental & Implant Center's main number at (250) 752-6968. Our voicemail may provide instructions for contacting Dr. Allan or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service in the Qualicum Beach area.

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

Dental X-rays, particularly modern digital X-rays, are very safe, using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Allan will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Bayview Dental & Implant Center
#202 - 661 Primrose St.
Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 2H5

Phone: (250) 752-6968

Dr. Stephanie Hope Allan 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. Allan 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.