Description
About Dr. Pollock
Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Duncan, BC, Dr. Pollock is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Pollock 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. Pollock 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. Pollock 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 the clinic.
Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock earned a Dental Degree. With over 35 years of practice since 1990, Dr. Pollock has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Pollock is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Pollock 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. Pollock's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Pollock provides consultations in English.
Oral Health Conditions Addressed by Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock
Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock 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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
Common Dental Issues
- Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
- Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
- Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
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.
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.
- 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.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Pollock. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock's Dental Services
- Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
- Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
- Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
- Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
- Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Pollock. 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. Gordon Stewart Pollock adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
Achieving Your Oral Health & Smile Goals with Dr. Pollock
At Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock's practice, 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. Pollock frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Dr. Pollock provides dedicated support for patients going through 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, always aiming for positive outcomes like their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
- When a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out, Dr. Pollock and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance and a return to comfort and confidence.
- Patients frequently come to Dr. Pollock with concerns about a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, making a positive and lasting return to concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort not just possible, but highly feasible.
- Overcoming or effectively managing a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable is a common journey for patients under Dr. Pollock's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures, so that daily routines and pleasures like confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities become straightforward again.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Pollock, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Pollock is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Dr. Pollock's practice, a dental office in Duncan, is situated in a central location within the Duncan neighborhood of Duncan. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dentist with Dr. Pollock in Duncan
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Pollock at the clinic?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Pollock and the team at the clinic 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. Pollock 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 provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan, or MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures in private dental clinics for the general public. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-sponsored), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Pollock?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Pollock for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Pollock typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Pollock 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 offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.
- 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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Pollock 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. Pollock for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Pollock will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals.
- Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?
- While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.
Contact & Licensing Information for Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock
300 - 2640 Beverly St.
Duncan, BC, V9L 5C7
Phone: (250) 748-1322
Dr. Gordon Stewart Pollock 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. Pollock 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.