Dr. Thomas William Lee

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

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: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At Atwell 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. Lee frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected, Dr. Lee offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• Understanding the frustration an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing can cause, Dr. Lee tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, allowing for renewed participation in activities like getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• If a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods has unfortunately put no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Lee works closely with patients towards attaining their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Lee with concerns about a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, making a positive and lasting return to confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Atwell Dental, where Dr. Lee practices, is situated in a central location within the Squamish neighborhood of Squamish. 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.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lee at Atwell Dental?

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

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 <strong>not</strong> cover routine dental services provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental procedures performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, 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 receiving specific benefits). It is crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before commencing treatment at Atwell Dental.

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

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

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. 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. Lee will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and risk factors, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Lee will personalize this schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients may require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months for those managing gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Lee's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lee provides primary dental care for all ages. Services include 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 include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Lee also provides oral hygiene education and refers patients to specialists for complex needs.

Atwell Dental
41301 Horizon Drive
Squamish, BC, V8B 0Y7

Phone: (604) 535-5156

Dr. Thomas William Lee 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. Lee 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.