Dr. Patrick Michael Gowdy

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

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: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.

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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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

• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.

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

At Alpenglow 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. Gowdy frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Gowdy when they first notice their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, enabling them to once again enjoy maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile without hesitation.
• If their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach is preventing you from fully enjoying their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends or causing discomfort, Dr. Gowdy offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Patients presenting with noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration under Dr. Gowdy's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods with Dr. Gowdy's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children once more.

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

Alpenglow Dental, where Dr. Gowdy practices, is situated in the Whistler Resort Municipality Proper neighborhood of Whistler. The clinic is conveniently located near Whistler Creekside and is accessible via Whistler Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gowdy at Alpenglow Dental?

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

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 is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

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

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Gowdy will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and follows guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Gowdy will personalize this schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months for active gum disease), while others might have longer intervals. Follow Dr. Gowdy's specific recommendations.

Alpenglow Dental
107-8200 Bear Paw Trail
Whistler, BC, V8E 1M2

Phone: (604) 962-2400

Dr. Patrick Michael Gowdy 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. Gowdy 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.