Dr. William Furey Higgins – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. William Furey Higgins is a Dentist. Practicing at Artisan Dental in Victoria, BC, Dr. Higgins is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Higgins 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. Higgins 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. Higgins 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 Artisan Dental.

Dr. William Furey Higgins earned a Dental Degree. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Higgins has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Higgins is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures Dr. Higgins remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Higgins's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Higgins provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.

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

At Artisan 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. Higgins frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Higgins'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 the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• Dr. Higgins understands that dealing with experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty and feeling their best.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods, Dr. Higgins offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Higgins about a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable is to attain their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.

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

Artisan Dental, where Dr. Higgins practices, is situated in the Quadra Village, Topaz Park Area neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Inner Harbour Causeway and is accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Higgins will personalize your visit schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, patients managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while those with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Higgins' specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Higgins at Artisan Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Higgins 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. Higgins 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.

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

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

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Higgins. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing to clean between teeth, minimizing consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings at Artisan Dental. For extra defense, especially in children, Dr. Higgins might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Higgins 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, dental 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 such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Higgins also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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 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 or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may cover dental care for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before beginning treatment.

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 radiation exposure. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Higgins will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Artisan Dental
510-777 Royal Oak Dr
Victoria, BC, V8X 4V1

Phone: (250) 479-8100

Dr. William Furey Higgins 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. Higgins 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.