Dr. Elwood Dean Astleford – Dentist | Vernon, BC

Dr. Elwood Dean Astleford is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vernon, BC, Dr. Astleford is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Astleford 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. Astleford 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. Astleford 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. Elwood Dean Astleford earned a Dental Degree. With over 23 years of practice since 2002, Dr. Astleford has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Astleford is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most effective and advanced treatments available, reflecting a dedication to professional excellence and a commitment to staying at the forefront of dental advancements.

Key aspects of Dr. Astleford's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Astleford provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Elwood Dean Astleford'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. Astleford frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Astleford develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• A key objective when treating a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food at Dr. Astleford's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.
• Managing their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Astleford and the dental team. The clear aim is always their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• If an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected has unfortunately put their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Astleford works closely with patients towards attaining the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. Astleford's practice, a dental office in Vernon, is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near Access to SilverStar Mountain Resort and is accessible via Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Astleford 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).

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Astleford 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. Astleford 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 BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Astleford will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Astleford's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Astleford.

2815 35 St
Vernon, BC, V1T 6B6

Phone: (778) 475-6118

Dr. Elwood Dean Astleford 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. Astleford 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.