Dr. Gary Robert Powell – Dentist | Westbank, BC

Dr. Gary Robert Powell is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Westbank, BC, Dr. Powell is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Powell 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. Powell 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. Powell 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. Gary Robert Powell earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Powell has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Powell is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Powell remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Powell'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; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Powell provides consultations in English.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• 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).
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

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

At Dr. Gary Robert Powell'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. Powell frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances with Dr. Powell's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing and social interactions.
• At Dr. Powell's clinic, addressing waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• For those affected by their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening, Dr. Powell provides solutions that lead to their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli, involves working systematically towards a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. Dr. Powell expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.

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

Dr. Powell's practice, a dental office in Westbank, is situated in a central location within the Westbank neighborhood of Westbank. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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. Powell.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Powell 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 crucial to follow Dr. Powell's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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 by MSP. 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, social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance plan regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Powell 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. Powell will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Powell 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 include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Powell also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Powell 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).

360-2300 Carrington Rd
Westbank, BC, V4T 2N6

Phone: (250) 768-7786

Dr. Gary Robert Powell 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. Powell 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.