Dr. Katharine Gillanders

Dr. Katharine Gillanders 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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.

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

At Dr. Katharine Gillanders'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. Gillanders frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Gillanders and the dental team. The clear aim is always their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing at Dr. Gillanders's practice is consistently achieving their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.
• With Dr. Gillanders's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing is focused on achieving feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence. without dental concerns.
• Patients experiencing their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Gillanders's practice, a key objective is finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.

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

Dr. Gillanders's practice is a dental office conveniently located in the South Nanaimo, University District neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is situated near Nanaimo North Town Centre and is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gillanders 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, and dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Gillanders 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 always used. 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. Gillanders 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 cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Gillanders offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Gillanders focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Gillanders are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Gillanders may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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

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

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Gillanders will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) while others may have slightly longer intervals. It's important to follow Dr. Gillanders's specific recommendation.

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 individuals (e.g., children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits). Always check your private dental insurance coverage details and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

521 Deering St
Nanaimo, BC, V9R 6Y2

Phone: (250) 754-1949

Dr. Katharine Gillanders 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. Gillanders 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.