Dr. Gary Allan Sacher – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Gary Allan Sacher is a Dentist. Practicing at Fernwood Dental in Victoria, BC, Dr. Sacher is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Sacher 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. Sacher 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. Sacher 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 Fernwood Dental.

Dr. Gary Allan Sacher earned a Dental Degree. With over 8 years of practice since 2017, Dr. Sacher has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Sacher is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Sacher's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Sacher's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Sacher provides consultations in English.

Dr. Gary Allan Sacher 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

• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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

• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• 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.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.

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

At Fernwood 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. Sacher frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Sacher when they first notice needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, enabling them to once again enjoy laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth without hesitation.
• Managing their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Sacher and the dental team. The clear aim is always their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• The journey from experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow to wellness often involves Dr. Sacher's dedicated care. The milestone is their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment, which opens the door back to activities such as playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Effectively addressing looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults with Dr. Sacher's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues and social interactions.

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

Dr. Sacher's practice, Fernwood Dental, is situated in the Burnside Gorge, Hillside-Quadra neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Craigdarroch Castle and is accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Sacher at Fernwood Dental?

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

What payment options are available at Fernwood Dental for dental services?

For your convenience, Fernwood Dental accepts various payment methods, including cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express. We also work with many private dental insurance plans. Please discuss specific payment arrangements and insurance details with our administrative team prior to your treatment. Payment for services is generally expected at the time treatment is rendered.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Sacher will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if 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. Sacher's specific recommendations.

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 is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Fernwood Dental.

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 necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Sacher 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Sacher typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Sacher 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 educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Fernwood Dental
F-1515 Cook St
Victoria, BC, V8T 5E5

Phone: (250) 384-2043

Dr. Gary Allan Sacher 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. Sacher 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.