Dr. Michael Gregory Stearns – Dentist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Michael Gregory Stearns is a Dentist. Practicing at Rutland Dental Centre in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Stearns is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Stearns 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. Stearns 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. Stearns 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 Rutland Dental Centre.

Dr. Michael Gregory Stearns earned a Dental Degree. With over 8 years of practice since 2017, Dr. Stearns has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Stearns is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Stearns remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Stearns's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Stearns provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Stearns. 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): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

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

At Rutland Dental Centre, 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. Stearns frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Stearns understands that dealing with experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, helping patients comfortably get back to singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun and feeling their best.
• If a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism or causing discomfort, Dr. Stearns offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities with Dr. Stearns's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem once more.
• Many people seek Dr. Stearns's professional help and expertise when dealing with needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy). The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.

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

Dr. Stearns's practice, Rutland Dental Centre, is situated in the Rutland, Black Mountain neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near City Park and is accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Stearns will recommend a personalized 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 visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Stearns's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Stearns 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 include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Stearns also provides 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. Stearns?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Rutland Dental Centre directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Stearns.

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 specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Rutland Dental Centre.

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Stearns 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. Stearns at Rutland Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Stearns 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. Stearns will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Rutland Dental Centre
1-615 Rutland Road N
Kelowna, BC, V1X 3B6

Phone: (250) 765-7662

Dr. Michael Gregory Stearns 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. Stearns 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.