Dr. Chaitra Gururaja Rao – Dentist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Chaitra Gururaja Rao is a Dentist. Practicing at Sunnyside Dental in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Rao is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Rao 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. Rao 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. Rao 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 Sunnyside Dental.

Dr. Chaitra Gururaja Rao earned a Dental Degree. With over 6 years of practice since 2019, Dr. Rao has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Rao is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that their patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting a proactive approach to professional development and a dedication to staying at the forefront of the dental field.

Key aspects of Dr. Rao's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Rao is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Hindi.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• 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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.

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

At Sunnyside 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. Rao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling at Dr. Rao's welcoming dental clinic is achieving the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.
• Dr. Rao's comprehensive care for feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning is meticulously designed to result in clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children without dental worries.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Rao when they first notice recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, enabling them to once again enjoy being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without hesitation.
• Dr. Rao expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, means they can happily and comfortably get back to maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.

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

Sunnyside Dental, where Dr. Rao practices, is situated in the Upper Mission, Kettle Valley neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near Mission Creek Regional Park and is accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Rao at Sunnyside Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Rao and the team at Sunnyside Dental 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. Rao will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Rao 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).

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Rao 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 visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Rao's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Rao 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 also include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer 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 BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Does Sunnyside Dental 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.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Rao. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Rao identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

Sunnyside Dental
106-3957 Lakeshore Rd
Kelowna, BC, V1W 1V3

Phone: (250) 764-7794

Dr. Chaitra Gururaja Rao 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. Rao 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.