Dr. Kevin James Bougher – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Kevin James Bougher is a Dentist. Practicing at The Vital Smile in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Bougher is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Bougher 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. Bougher 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. Bougher 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 The Vital Smile.

Dr. Kevin James Bougher earned a Dental Degree. With over 33 years of practice since 1992, Dr. Bougher has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Bougher is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Bougher's ongoing pursuit of professional excellence and a dedication to providing the highest quality care.

Key aspects of Dr. Bougher's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Bougher provides consultations in English.

Dr. Kevin James Bougher 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.

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

At The Vital Smile, 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. Bougher frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits, Dr. Bougher and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Bougher develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation.
• For patients where their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation is a primary concern, Dr. Bougher focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure with Dr. Bougher's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance once more.

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

Dr. Bougher's practice, The Vital Smile, is situated in the Downtown Vancouver (West End South) neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near 'The Drive' Neighbourhood and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Bougher offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Bougher 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.

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 for the general population. 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 is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before treatment.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact The Vital Smile directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Bougher.

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 necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health). Dr. Bougher determines the frequency based on individual needs and adheres to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Bougher at The Vital Smile?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive examination: 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. Bougher will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Bougher will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs and risk factors. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bougher provides primary dental care for all ages, offering 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 may offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

The Vital Smile
560 - 1090 Georgia St W
Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7

Phone: (604) 818-0408

Dr. Kevin James Bougher 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. Bougher 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.