Dr. Todd J. Smith – Dentist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Todd J. Smith is a Dentist. Practicing at Care Dental in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Smith is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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 Care Dental.

Dr. Todd J. Smith earned a Dental Degree. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Smith has accumulated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Smith is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most effective and current treatment options available, reflecting Dr. Smith's ongoing professional development and dedication to excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Smith's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Smith provides consultations in English.

Dr. Todd J. Smith 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

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• 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.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.

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

At Care 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. Smith frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Smith's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment often find they can readily achieve their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention with Dr. Smith's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem once more.
• When needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Smith helps patients strive for their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. This makes participating in activities such as their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Dr. Smith expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, means they can happily and comfortably get back to enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile.

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

Care Dental, where Dr. Smith practices, is situated in the Rutland, Black Mountain neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near Mission Creek Regional Park and is accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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. Most 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 (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Care Dental.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Smith at Care Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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.

What payment options are available at Care Dental for dental services?

At Care Dental, we accept payment by cash, debit, and major credit cards (typically Visa and MasterCard). If you have dental insurance, please bring your policy information, and our administrative team will be happy to assist you with understanding your coverage and processing claims. For more extensive treatment plans, potential financing options can be discussed with our office manager.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Smith 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) while others may have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Smith's specific recommendations.

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

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

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Smith 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. Smith typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Smith is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These 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). They also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists when needed for more complex cases.

Care Dental
300-1575 Banks Rd
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7Y8

Phone: (778) 484-2256

Dr. Todd J. Smith 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. Smith 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.