Frequently Asked Questions

Book a consultation at either our Valleyview or Downtown location. We are currently welcoming new patients, same-day and same-week appointments are available, and there is no pressure — just an honest conversation about what is possible for your smile.

Yes. All five of our doctors are sedation certified, and sedation is available for any cosmetic procedure. Many patients choose to complete multiple cosmetic treatments in a single sedated appointment.

Whitening should always be completed before veneers or bonding, as restorations are colour-matched to your existing teeth at the time of fabrication and cannot be whitened afterward. Your doctor will advise on the right sequence for your treatment plan.

Yes. Our doctors take a detailed approach to colour matching, shaping, and proportioning every restoration to complement your natural features. The goal is always a result that looks like it belongs — not like dental work.

Costs vary depending on the treatment and the number of teeth involved. All options are presented to you in writing before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision with no surprises.

Most cosmetic procedures involve minimal to no discomfort. For patients who prefer a more relaxed experience, sedation is available at all levels — laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation.

It depends on the treatment. Porcelain veneers and crowns can last ten to twenty years with proper care. Whitening results vary based on lifestyle and maintenance. Your doctor will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.

We offer porcelain veneers, 3D printed veneers, composite bonding, all-ceramic crowns and onlays, whitening, and full smile makeovers. We also offer orthodontic options and implants for patients with gaps or missing teeth.

Most patients are. The best way to find out what is possible for your smile is to book a consultation. Our doctors will assess your oral health and discuss the options that make the most sense for your specific goals.

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental treatment focused on improving the appearance of your smile — including the colour, shape, size, alignment, and overall aesthetic of your teeth. At Smile Dentistry, cosmetic care is integrated into everything we do.

Most adults with good general health are candidates for implants. Factors like bone density and gum health are assessed during your consultation. If additional preparation such as bone grafting is needed, we handle that in-house as well.

When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath it begins to deteriorate. This can affect your facial structure, destabilize surrounding teeth, and make future treatment more complex. We recommend seeking treatment as soon as possible to protect your teeth and jawbone.

Yes. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth. The crown is colour-matched and shaped to complement your existing smile so the result looks completely natural.

All-on-4 and Teeth-in-a-Day are excellent options for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. Four strategically placed implants support a full arch of teeth — fixed, stable, and natural-looking.

Yes. At Smile Dentistry it is possible to replace multiple teeth with implants and a temporary fixed bridge within the same appointment. We reserve appointment times every day to provide same-day implant solutions.

It varies depending on your case. In some situations, a temporary fixed bridge can be placed the same day as your implant surgery. Your doctor will give you a clear timeline during your consultation.

Yes. Our doctors are specially trained and certified to provide both oral and IV sedation. You can take the stress out of your implant procedure entirely and wake up with a beautiful smile.

Most patients are surprised by how manageable the procedure is. Local anesthesia is used throughout, and IV sedation is available if you prefer to be fully relaxed. Many patients describe the experience as far easier than they expected.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced after fifteen to twenty years, but the implant itself is designed to be a permanent solution.

In most cases, yes. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution shown to prevent bone loss, and they are the closest thing available to a natural tooth in terms of look, feel, and function. Your doctor will help you determine whether implants are right for your specific situation.

Let us know you are interested in sedation when you book — by phone, email, or online. We will confirm the right option for your appointment and send you everything you need to prepare.

No. Sedation is available directly through Smile Dentistry at both our Valleyview and Downtown locations. You do not need a referral or a separate facility.

Sedation is more affordable than most patients expect. All costs are included in your written treatment plan before any decisions are made — no surprises.

Yes. Laughing gas is available for younger patients, and our team will recommend the most appropriate option based on your child's age, health, and the treatment required.

No. Moderate conscious sedation means you remain breathing on your own throughout. Most patients are in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state and have little to no recollection of the appointment — but they are not unconscious and do not require intubation.

IV sedation is administered directly and takes effect immediately, producing a deeper state of relaxation with little to no memory of the procedure. Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment and produces a similar relaxed state, though onset is slower and the depth of sedation is generally lighter.

Yes. Many patients come to Smile Dentistry specifically because sedation is available for all procedures — including general dentistry and hygiene visits. If you would not get your dentistry done without it, we want to be your practice.

Yes. You breathe on your own throughout the entire procedure and no intubation is required. Vital signs are monitored continuously by a team that is specially trained and certified. Our Doctors mantain Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and our dental assistants hold DAANCE and CDAAC credentials.

If you are a generally healthy youth or adult, you are a likely candidate for sedation. Your doctor will review your health history during your consultation to confirm the right option for you.

Your doctor will assess each tooth individually and recommend removal only where it is indicated. If only one or two teeth require extraction, we will plan accordingly.

Yes. We treat patients of all ages and are experienced in working with younger patients. Sedation options are available and tailored to the individual.

Most patients recover comfortably within a few days to a week. Your doctor will provide detailed aftercare instructions at your appointment, including guidance on diet, activity, and pain management.

With sedation, most patients experience very little during the procedure itself. Post-operative discomfort is normal and typically managed well with the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor. Many patients are surprised by how straightforward the recovery is.

The mid-teens to early twenties is generally the ideal window, when the roots are not yet fully formed and healing tends to be faster. That said, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age when treatment is indicated.

Yes, absolutely. That is the comfortable and efficient way to go. Any other dental needs you have can be addressed in the same sedation appointment — making the most of your time and your recovery.

It is a case-by-case decision. Factors such as how much room there is in your mouth, your age, tooth position, gum position, and dental hygiene all come into play. Please allow one of our doctors the opportunity to assess your particular situation and give you options.

Yes. Impacted wisdom teeth are extracted in-house. Your doctor will assess the position and complexity of your teeth during your consultation and confirm the appropriate approach.

No. Wisdom teeth removal is handled entirely in-house by our own doctors. There is no referral required and no need to visit a separate facility.

You are welcome here, no matter how long it has been. Our team meets every patient with warmth and zero judgment. We will assess where things stand, explain your options clearly, and build a plan that works for you at whatever pace you are comfortable with.

Yes. We work with all insurance providers and walk you through your coverage before treatment begins. All costs are presented in writing so there are no surprises.

Yes. Professional whitening is available alongside your hygiene appointment. Come in for a cleaning and leave with a noticeably brighter smile — no separate visit required.

We offer a comprehensive range including examinations, digital X-rays, professional cleanings, composite fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays, dentures, root canal treatment, sealants, fluoride, night guards, TMJ oral appliances, oral cancer screening, and children's dentistry.

Yes. We maintain same-day and same-week availability across both our Valleyview and Downtown locations. If you need to be seen promptly, call us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The general recommendation is that a child's first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits establish a positive relationship with dental care and allow us to monitor development from the start.

Yes. We provide comprehensive children's dentistry from infancy through the teen years, including fillings, crowns, sealants, fluoride treatments, and emergency care. We are committed to creating a positive experience for younger patients from their very first visit.

Yes. Sedation is available for all services we offer, including routine hygiene appointments. If you experience anxiety about dental visits of any kind, sedation is an option — just let us know when you book.

For most patients, every six months is recommended. However, some patients benefit from more frequent visits depending on their oral health, gum condition, or medical history. Your doctor will recommend the right interval for your specific needs.

Let us know when you book. Our team is experienced in working with anxious patients and will take the time to make sure you feel comfortable before anything begins. Sedation options at every level are available if you would like additional support.

Yes. We work with all insurance providers and walk you through your coverage before your appointment begins. All costs are presented clearly so there are no surprises.

Yes. Professional whitening is available alongside your hygiene visit. Come in for your checkup and leave with a custom made whitening trays to take home — no separate appointment needed.

Yes. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays and are considered very safe for patients of all ages. We take X-rays only when clinically appropriate and always discuss the reason with you before proceeding.

You are always welcome here, no matter how long it has been. Our team meets every patient with warmth and zero judgment. We will assess where things stand, explain your options clearly, and build a plan that works at whatever pace you are comfortable with.

Yes. We provide comprehensive checkup and hygiene care for patients of all ages, including infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teens. We are committed to creating a positive experience for younger patients from their very first visit.

Yes. Sedation is available for all services we offer, including routine hygiene visits. If dental anxiety has kept you from attending regular appointments, we can help. Just let us know when you book.

Every checkup includes a professional cleaning, digital X-rays, a comprehensive examination by one of our doctors, and an oral cancer screening. Teeth whitening is also available as an add-on to your cleaning appointment.

Every twelve months is the standard recommendation for most patients. However, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health history, gum condition, or other individual factors.

They use the same material, but the technique differs. Composite veneers are thin, pre-shaped shells that cover the full front surface of the tooth. Bonding is applied freehand, tooth by tooth, to correct specific concerns like chips, gaps, or staining. Both can be completed without removing natural tooth structure and are easier to repair than porcelain.

3D printed veneers use advanced digital scanning and in-house printing technology to fabricate custom restorations without an external lab. Compared to porcelain, they are more affordable and require little to no enamel removal. They use high-performance esthetic resin that provides a natural gloss finish and flexibility. For patients who want a reversible or lower-commitment option before committing to porcelain, they are an excellent middle ground.

Book a consultation at either our Valleyview or Downtown location. We are currently welcoming new patients, same-day and same-week appointments are available, and there is no pressure — just an honest conversation about what is possible for your smile.

Grinding can affect the longevity of veneers. If you grind your teeth, your doctor will discuss this during your consultation and may recommend a night guard to protect your investment. In some cases, addressing the grinding first is the right place to start.

Typically two to three appointments — a consultation and smile design, a preparation and temporary veneer appointment, and a final placement visit. Your doctor will give you a clear timeline during your consultation.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during preparation. Local anesthesia is used throughout, and sedation is available at every level for patients who prefer additional comfort. Many patients are surprised by how manageable the process is.

Veneers are generally considered a cosmetic procedure and are not typically covered by dental insurance. All costs are presented to you clearly in writing before any treatment begins so you can make an informed decision.

No. Porcelain and composite veneers do not respond to whitening treatments. This is why whitening should always be completed before veneers are placed — your veneers will be colour-matched to your whitened shade at the time of fabrication.

Veneers are cared for just like natural teeth — brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend your routine checkups and cleanings. We recommend avoiding habits that put excess pressure on your veneers, such as biting fingernails or opening packaging with your teeth. A night guard may be recommended if you grind your teeth.

Yes. Our doctors take a detailed approach to colour matching, shaping, and proportioning every veneer to complement your natural features. The goal is always a result that looks like it belongs — not like dental work.

Porcelain and eMax veneers typically last ten to twenty years with proper care. Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan but can be repaired or replaced more easily. Your doctor will give you a realistic timeline based on the option you choose.

Veneer placement involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel, which means the process is irreversible. Your teeth will always require a veneer or other restoration after preparation. This is an important consideration your doctor will discuss with you in full during your consultation.

Whitening is generally recommended once permanent teeth are fully developed. Your doctor will assess whether treatment is appropriate based on your child's age and dental development.

In the hours immediately following treatment, your enamel is more susceptible to restaining. Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and heavily pigmented foods during this window. Long-term, consistent oral hygiene and regular cleanings will protect your result.

Professional whitening is most effective on extrinsic staining caused by food, drink, and tobacco. Intrinsic staining — from antibiotics, trauma, genetics, or aging — is more resistant. In those cases, veneers or bonding may be recommended as a more effective alternative.

Always before. Restorations are colour-matched at fabrication and cannot be lightened afterward. Whitening first ensures your natural teeth and new restorations match seamlessly. Your doctor will confirm the right sequence during your consultation.

Existing restorations do not respond to whitening and will remain their current shade while your natural teeth lighten. If you have restorations in visible areas, speak with your doctor before whitening — they will advise on the best approach for your specific situation.

Most patients maintain their results for six months to two years, depending on diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits. Regular professional cleanings and avoiding heavily pigmented foods and drinks will extend your results considerably.

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. This typically resolves within a day or two. If you already experience sensitivity, let your doctor know before your appointment — the protocol can be adjusted accordingly.

Yes. Professional whitening is a well-established procedure when performed by a trained dental team. Your gums are protected throughout, the process is monitored carefully, and the treatment is calibrated to minimize sensitivity and produce an even result.

Results depend on the degree and type of your staining, your natural tooth shade, and how your enamel responds to the whitening agent. Your doctor will give you an honest, personalized assessment before treatment begins so you know what to expect.

Book a consultation at either our Valleyview or Downtown location. We are currently welcoming new patients, same-day and same-week appointments are available, and there is no pressure — just an honest conversation about what is possible for your smile.

If you have multiple dental concerns you have been putting off, chronic discomfort, significant tooth loss, or a smile you have long wanted to change, a consultation is the right place to start. Most patients are surprised by how achievable a complete transformation actually is.

Yes. Your complete treatment plan and all associated costs are presented in writing before anything is scheduled. You will have a clear, detailed picture of the investment — with options — before any decisions are made.

Yes. Sedation is available at every level for every procedure and every appointment. Many patients choose sedation specifically to complete multiple procedures in fewer visits.

Yes. If a bite imbalance is contributing to your symptoms, addressing it is often a foundational part of your plan. Your doctor will evaluate your bite and jaw function at your initial consultation and discuss all available options.

That is completely fine. We will create cosmetic dentures that give you the smile you want right now. When you are ready, those dentures can be converted into a fixed, implant-supported restoration. Your plan evolves at your pace.

No. Every aspect of your reconstruction — surgical, restorative, and cosmetic — is managed in-house at Smile Dentistry. You will not be referred to another provider or asked to coordinate between multiple offices.

It depends on the complexity of your case and the pace you prefer. Patients who opt for sedation can often complete multiple procedures in a single extended appointment, significantly compressing the overall timeline. Your doctor will give you a realistic estimate during your consultation.

A smile makeover focuses primarily on aesthetics. Full mouth reconstruction addresses underlying health and function first, then refines the aesthetic result. In practice, the two are planned together from the beginning, with your cosmetic goals informing every clinical decision.

Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary treatment plan that addresses function, health, and aesthetics across multiple teeth or your entire mouth — planned and sequenced by your doctor for the most effective outcome with the fewest appointments possible.

If you are a patient of record and are having a dental emergency or a conflict with a scheduled appointment, please call our after-hours line at 778-471-5996, or please email us at info@smilekamloops.com.

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Call or book online. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM at both locations. For after-hours emergencies involving severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or spreading infection, go to your nearest emergency room.

Your doctor will outline any additional treatment needed before you leave your emergency appointment. Follow-up care is scheduled promptly so your situation is fully resolved, not just temporarily managed.

Yes. We work with all insurance providers. Our team will assist with your coverage information and ensure you have a clear picture of any costs before treatment begins.

Yes. Emergency appointments at Smile Dentistry are held to the same standard as every other visit. You will receive a thorough assessment, clear communication, and complete care — not a rushed or temporary solution.

No. A dental abscess is an infection that can spread to surrounding tissue and, in serious cases, beyond the mouth. It requires prompt attention. If you have swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing alongside dental pain, contact us immediately or go to an emergency room.

If you are in significant pain, have visible swelling, a knocked-out or broken tooth, or signs of infection, it is an emergency. If you are unsure, contact us — our team will help you determine the right course of action.

Time is critical. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, and keep it moist — in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum. Contact us immediately. The sooner you are seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

Yes. Sedation is available for emergency procedures at every level. If anxiety is a concern alongside your pain, let our team know when you call and we will make sure the right option is ready for you.

Contact us and follow the instructions provided. If you are experiencing severe swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or signs of a spreading infection, seek care at your nearest emergency room immediately.

Yes. We make urgent care a priority and have same-day appointments available regularly across both our Valleyview and Downtown locations. Contact us as early as possible for the best availability.