Dr. Geoffrey Robert Gillespie – Dentist | West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Geoffrey Robert Gillespie is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in West Vancouver, BC, Dr. Gillespie is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gillespie 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. Gillespie 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. Gillespie 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. Geoffrey Robert Gillespie earned a Dental Degree. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Gillespie has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Gillespie is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that their patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting a dedication to professional growth and a commitment to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Gillespie's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Gillespie is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At Dr. Geoffrey Robert Gillespie'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. Gillespie frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury is a primary concern, Dr. Gillespie focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues.
• When a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes, Dr. Gillespie and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry and a return to comfort and confidence.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Gillespie about an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing is to attain their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially with Dr. Gillespie's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile once more.

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

Dr. Gillespie's practice is a dental office in West Vancouver, situated in the Caulfeild, Eagle Harbour neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near John Lawson Park and is accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gillespie 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, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Gillespie also provides valuable education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Be aware of gums that bleed easily during oral hygiene, appear red or puffy, or feel sore, as these are common indicators of gingivitis. Persistent bad taste or bad breath can also be a sign. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may involve gums pulling away from teeth, noticeable tooth mobility, or discomfort when chewing. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Gillespie are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Gillespie and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Gillespie will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Gillespie will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Gillespie's specific recommendation is essential.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Gillespie for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with 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 used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Gillespie 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).

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, provincial health plans like MSP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures in private clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

2457 Bellevue Ave
West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1E1

Phone: (604) 925-2457

Dr. Geoffrey Robert Gillespie 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. Gillespie 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.