Dr. Darrell Edward Rea – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Darrell Edward Rea is a Dentist. Practicing at Ktsilano Dental in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Rea is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Rea 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. Rea 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. Rea 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 Ktsilano Dental.

Dr. Darrell Edward Rea earned a Dental Degree. With over 46 years of practice since 1979, Dr. Rea has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Rea is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Rea remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Rea's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Rea provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• 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.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.

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

At Ktsilano 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. Rea frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Rea understands that dealing with a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, helping patients comfortably get back to their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance and feeling their best.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Rea with concerns about experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health, making a positive and lasting return to confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions not just possible, but highly feasible.
• If their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem or causing discomfort, Dr. Rea offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• If a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods has unfortunately put participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Rea works closely with patients towards attaining their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Ktsilano Dental, where Dr. Rea practices, is situated in the Kerrisdale South, Dunbar South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Future Subway Extension and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting may be covered by MSP. The majority of dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, or 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, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always review the details of your private dental insurance policy (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before commencing treatment at Ktsilano Dental.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Rea determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Rea 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 (such as whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Rea at Ktsilano Dental?

At your first appointment, Dr. Rea and the team at Ktsilano Dental will focus on understanding your oral health history. You will complete a medical history form and discuss any dental concerns or goals. A thorough examination of your mouth will follow, and digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Rea will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Rea will personalize your schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others may have longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Rea's specific recommendations.

Ktsilano Dental
2705 4th ave west
Vancouver, BC, V6K 1P9

Phone: (604) 736-8051

Dr. Darrell Edward Rea 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. Rea 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.