Dr. Gloria Marcela Cartagena – Dentist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Gloria Marcela Cartagena is a Dentist. Practicing at GC Dental in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Cartagena is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Cartagena 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. Cartagena 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. Cartagena 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 GC Dental.

Dr. Gloria Marcela Cartagena earned a Dental Degree. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Cartagena has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Cartagena is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Cartagena 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. Cartagena's dental practice philosophy include: 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; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Cartagena is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Gloria Marcela Cartagena 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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• 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.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Cartagena. 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.

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

At GC 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. Cartagena frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Cartagena's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow often find they can readily achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• At Dr. Cartagena's clinic, addressing a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Cartagena to see patients who were troubled by needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect successfully achieve their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• Managing wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Cartagena and the dental team. The clear aim is always their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

GC Dental, where Dr. Cartagena practices, is situated in the Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Cartagena 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 more frequent 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 between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. Cartagena's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or to plan more complex treatments. Dr. Cartagena will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Cartagena at GC Dental?

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

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

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

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does 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 under MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may provide coverage for eligible groups such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. 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 regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at GC Dental.

GC Dental
303-4980 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC, V5H 4H2

Phone: (604) 428-1558

Dr. Gloria Marcela Cartagena 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. Cartagena 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.