Dr. Richard Albert Kanan – Dentist | Invermere, BC

Dr. Richard Albert Kanan is a Dentist. Practicing at Box 165 in Invermere, BC, Dr. Kanan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kanan 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. Kanan 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. Kanan 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 Box 165.

Dr. Richard Albert Kanan earned a Dental Degree. With over 30 years of practice since 1995, Dr. Kanan has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Kanan 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. Kanan's dedication to excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Kanan's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Kanan provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

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): 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• 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.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At Box 165, 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. Kanan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Kanan's practice, a key objective is feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.
• For patients where their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed is a primary concern, Dr. Kanan focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
• Dr. Kanan expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• A key objective when treating experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease at Dr. Kanan's welcoming dental clinic is achieving feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.

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

Dr. Kanan's practice, Box 165, is situated in a central location within the Invermere neighborhood of Invermere. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Box 165.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Kanan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between visits. It is essential to follow Dr. Kanan's specific recommendations.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kanan is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including 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 offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). General dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients can contact Box 165 directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kanan.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kanan will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kanan at Box 165?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Kanan will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

What payment options are available at Box 165 for dental services?

Box 165 accepts cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express. They also work with many private dental insurance plans. Please discuss payment arrangements and insurance details with the administrative team before your treatment. Payment is generally expected at the time of service.

Box 165
1325 - 7th Avenue
Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0

Phone: (250) 342-3811

Dr. Richard Albert Kanan 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. Kanan 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.