Dr. Gregory Ryan Thomas Head – Dentist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Gregory Ryan Thomas Head is a Dentist. Practicing at Orchard Park Dental in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Head is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Head 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. Head 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. Head 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 Orchard Park Dental.

Dr. Gregory Ryan Thomas Head earned a Dental Degree. With over 6 years of practice since 2019, Dr. Head has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Head is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Head remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Head's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Head provides consultations in English.

Dr. Gregory Ryan Thomas Head 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

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.

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.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.

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

At Orchard Park 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. Head frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them, involves working systematically towards feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up. Dr. Head expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.
• Effectively addressing a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems with Dr. Head's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth and social interactions.
• Dr. Head understands that dealing with a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity and feeling their best.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Head when they first notice their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, enabling them to once again enjoy participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard without hesitation.

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

Orchard Park Dental, where Dr. Head practices, is situated in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near Mission Creek Regional Park and is accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Head is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Head also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

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. Head are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

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

In BC, 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 specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket or through private dental insurance plans. Patients should verify any potential public coverage and check their private dental insurance details before treatment.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary. Dr. Head will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Head at Orchard Park Dental?

At your initial appointment, expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Head will explain their assessment and recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Orchard Park Dental
215-2271 Harvey Ave
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6H2

Phone: (250) 860-6460

Dr. Gregory Ryan Thomas Head 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. Head 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.