Dr. Roger S. Goncalves – Dentist | West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Roger S. Goncalves is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in West Vancouver, BC, Dr. Goncalves is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Goncalves 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. Goncalves 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. Goncalves 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. Roger S. Goncalves earned a Dental Degree. With over 43 years of practice since 1982, Dr. Goncalves has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Goncalves is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most effective and current treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Goncalves's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Goncalves's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Goncalves is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Portuguese.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

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

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.

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

At Dr. Roger S. Goncalves'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. Goncalves frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Goncalves provides dedicated support for patients going through the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding, always aiming for positive outcomes like experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Goncalves about an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear is to attain their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• With Dr. Goncalves's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about is focused on achieving their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness without dental concerns.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem at Dr. Goncalves's practice is consistently achieving their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.

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

Dr. Goncalves's practice is a dental office located in the Ambleside, Dundarave neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near access to the Lions Gate Bridge and is accessible via TransLink (Blue Bus - operated by West Vancouver). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 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 government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may 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 the clinic.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Goncalves 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. Goncalves 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.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Goncalves 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. Goncalves for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Goncalves will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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 appointments. It is important to follow Dr. Goncalves'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 minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Goncalves 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).

785 Westcot Pl
West Vancouver, BC, V7S 1P1

Phone: (604) 922-6516

Dr. Roger S. Goncalves 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. Goncalves 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.