Dr. Robert Gerard MacDonald

Dr. Robert Gerard MacDonald 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• 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.

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

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.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• 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.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Robert Gerard MacDonald'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. MacDonald frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming, involves working systematically towards a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. Dr. MacDonald expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. MacDonald when they first notice a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, enabling them to once again enjoy feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence. without hesitation.
• When needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. MacDonald helps patients strive for understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage. This makes participating in activities such as no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues a pleasant and possible experience again.
• If a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection is preventing you from fully enjoying easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums or causing discomfort, Dr. MacDonald offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. MacDonald's practice is a dental office in Burnaby, situated in the Capitol Hill, Burnaby Heights neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Brentwood Town Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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 done in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families). Always check your private insurance coverage details and verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for before treatment.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. MacDonald for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. MacDonald will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits, while others might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Following Dr. MacDonald's specific recommendation is key.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. MacDonald help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. MacDonald can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. MacDonald will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health and history, adhering to ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

At your first visit, expect a medical history review, a discussion of your dental concerns and goals, a thorough examination of your mouth, and possibly digital X-rays. Dr. MacDonald will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. MacDonald provides a wide range of services, including 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. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists when needed.

840-2025 Willingdon Ave
Burnaby, BC, V5C 0J3

Phone: (604) 299-1661

Dr. Robert Gerard MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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.