Dr. Pamela Jane Gardner – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Pamela Jane Gardner is a Dentist. Practicing at BC Cancer Vancouver Dental Clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Gardner is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gardner 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. Gardner 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. Gardner 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 BC Cancer Vancouver Dental Clinic.

Dr. Pamela Jane Gardner earned a Dental Degree. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Gardner has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Gardner is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Gardner remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Gardner's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Gardner provides consultations in English.

Dr. Pamela Jane Gardner 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

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

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

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.

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

At BC Cancer Vancouver Dental Clinic, 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. Gardner frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Gardner's clinic, addressing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma means focusing on patient goals. Achieving receiving a definitive diagnosis for an unusual growth or spot in their mouth, leading to appropriate action helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.
• Patients experiencing wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Gardner's practice, a key objective is their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• Through Dr. Gardner's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal often find they can readily achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit, involves working systematically towards the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. Dr. Gardner expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.

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

BC Cancer Vancouver Dental Clinic, where Dr. Gardner practices, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Granville Island and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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. 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 on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment at BC Cancer Vancouver Dental Clinic.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gardner 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.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Gardner promptly.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gardner at BC Cancer Vancouver Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Gardner 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. Gardner will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Gardner will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and 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. Gardner's specific recommendations.

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 diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Gardner 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).

BC Cancer Vancouver Dental Clinic
600 W 10th Ave
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E6

Phone: (604) 877-6136

Dr. Pamela Jane Gardner 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. Gardner 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.