Dr. Craig Elden Goplen – Dentist | Vernon, BC

Dr. Craig Elden Goplen is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vernon, BC, Dr. Goplen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Goplen 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. Goplen 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. Goplen 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. Craig Elden Goplen earned a Dental Degree. With over 41 years of practice since 1984, Dr. Goplen's extensive clinical experience has provided a deep understanding of diverse dental needs. Dr. Goplen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Goplen's unwavering dedication to patient well-being and the pursuit of excellence in dental practice.

Key aspects of Dr. Goplen's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Goplen provides consultations in English.

Dr. Craig Elden Goplen 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

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

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

At Dr. Craig Elden Goplen'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. Goplen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence. or causing discomfort, Dr. Goplen offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed is a common journey for patients under Dr. Goplen'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 actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern become straightforward again.
• Many people seek Dr. Goplen's professional help and expertise when dealing with their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Goplen when they first notice a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized, enabling them to once again enjoy their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits without hesitation.

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

Dr. Goplen's practice, a dental office in Vernon, is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near Kal Tire Place (Arena) and is accessible via Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays, which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Goplen will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Goplen at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Goplen 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. Goplen 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.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at our clinic with Dr. Goplen?

We welcome new patients to our clinic! To become a new patient with Dr. Goplen, please call our office at (250) 545-4466. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Goplen 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.

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 by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's essential to check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

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

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

For life-threatening emergencies (severe bleeding, difficulty breathing due to swelling, significant facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent but non-life-threatening dental issues (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, dental abscess with moderate swelling, broken tooth causing sharp pain), call our main office number at (250) 545-4466. Our voicemail may provide instructions for emergency contact or direct you to an emergency dental service in Vernon.

3102 34 St
Vernon, BC, V1T 9K9

Phone: (250) 545-4466

Dr. Craig Elden Goplen 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. Goplen 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.