Dr. Simon Richard Gooch

Dr. Simon Richard Gooch 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

• 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

• 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.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• 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. Gooch. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Simon Richard Gooch'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. Gooch frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing at Dr. Gooch's welcoming dental clinic is achieving no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Gooch about needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain is to attain the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Gooch with concerns about a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause, making a positive and lasting return to knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage not just possible, but highly feasible.
• When patients discuss a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal, Dr. Gooch outlines a path to their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.

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

Dr. Gooch's dental practice is conveniently located in a central location within the Qualicum Beach neighborhood of Qualicum Beach. The clinic is situated near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. 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 such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are covered out-of-pocket, by private dental insurance (often through employers), or by government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before starting treatment.

What payment options are available at the clinic for dental services?

At the clinic, we accept payment by cash, debit, and major credit cards (typically Visa and MasterCard). If you have dental insurance, please bring your policy information, and our administrative team will be happy to assist you with understanding your coverage and processing claims. For more extensive treatment plans, potential financing options can be discussed with our office manager.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Gooch 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. Gooch 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. Gooch typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Gooch 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 offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). General Dentists also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists when more complex needs arise.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Gooch offer any sedation options?

Dr. Gooch and our team are committed to making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. While we may not offer extensive sedation options in-house, please discuss any anxieties you have with Dr. Gooch. They can explore various comfort measures and relaxation techniques, and if necessary, can refer you to a colleague or specialist who provides sedation services.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Gooch will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Gooch will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits may be needed for those managing gum disease or at high risk for cavities). It is important to follow Dr. Gooch's specific recommendations.

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

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

101-183 Fern Road West
Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S4

Phone: (250) 752-7524

Dr. Simon Richard Gooch 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. Gooch 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.