Dr. Richard Garry Graves – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Richard Garry Graves is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Victoria, BC, Dr. Graves is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Graves 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. Graves 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. Graves 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 clinic.

Dr. Richard Garry Graves earned a Dental Degree. With over 47 years of practice since 1978, Dr. Graves has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Graves 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. Graves's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Graves's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Graves provides consultations in English.

Dr. Richard Garry Graves 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): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Graves. 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): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.

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

At Dr. Richard Garry Graves'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. Graves frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Graves's professional help and expertise when dealing with looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences.
• If wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation is preventing you from fully enjoying their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them or causing discomfort, Dr. Graves offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• With Dr. Graves's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite is focused on achieving their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day without dental concerns.
• Dr. Graves expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, means they can happily and comfortably get back to concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort.

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

Dr. Graves's practice, a well-regarded dental office in Victoria, is situated in a desirable neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Inner Harbour and is accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Graves 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, and dental 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 like whitening or bonding. Dr. Graves also provides patient education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Graves 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. 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 essential to follow Dr. Graves's specific recommendations.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Graves 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).

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

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

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. 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 is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

4039 Carey Rd.
Victoria, BC, V8Z 4E9

Phone: (250) 479-3550

Dr. Richard Garry Graves 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. Graves 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.