Dr. Kenneth M. Phillips

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Dr. Kenneth M. Phillips'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. Phillips frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Phillips provides dedicated support for patients going through a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain, always aiming for positive outcomes like achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet.
• Understanding the frustration feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning can cause, Dr. Phillips tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is a common journey for patients under Dr. Phillips's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist), so that daily routines and pleasures like their child being_able to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain become straightforward again.
• Dr. Phillips understands that dealing with an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment, helping patients comfortably get back to no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Phillips's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Downtown Vancouver (West End South) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near a Shopping District and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Phillips will personalize your schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., managing active gum disease or high caries risk), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Phillips' specific recommendations.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Phillips 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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Phillips 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Phillips typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Phillips 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP)) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures in private clinics. Some specific, 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., low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Your first appointment will involve completing a medical history form, discussing dental issues or goals, and a detailed oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Phillips will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

210-1055W Georgia St. PO Box 11030 Stn Royal Centre
Vancouver, BC, V6E 3P1

Phone: (604) 683-8100

Dr. Kenneth M. Phillips 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. Phillips 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.