Dr. Kenneth John McCracken

Dr. Kenneth John McCracken 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: 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.

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

At Valley 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. McCracken frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. McCracken when they first notice an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment, enabling them to once again enjoy kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort without hesitation.
• With Dr. McCracken's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding is focused on achieving gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day without dental concerns.
• For individuals troubled by feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time, Dr. McCracken's approach is focused on delivering an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them with a healthier smile.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. McCracken to see patients who were troubled by a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal successfully achieve their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.

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

Valley Dental, where Dr. McCracken practices, is situated in a central location within the Port Alberni neighborhood of Port Alberni. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. McCracken will personalize your 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 risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. McCracken's specific recommendations for your 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 plan more complex treatments. Dr. McCracken 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McCracken at Valley Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. McCracken 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. McCracken 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. McCracken typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. McCracken 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 also include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Valley Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. McCracken.

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, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's essential to check your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before starting treatment.

Valley Dental
Unit C 4110 6th Ave
Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 4M9

Phone: (250) 724-6789

Dr. Kenneth John McCracken 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. McCracken 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.