We know that the first visit to any doctor's office can be intimidating. You may be filled with questions and perhaps fear over an aching tooth or other issue causing discomfort in your mouth. Our priority is always to make your time with us the most comfortable it can possibly be. We make every effort to ensure your visit is productive, relaxing, and affordable. 

 

It's like a trip to the spa – for your mouth

 

When we consider taking some time to care for ourselves, especially when it involves health and beauty, rarely is the dentist's office first on the list. Pampering yourself isn't just about going to the barber or having a spa day. Don't get us wrong; we're all for scented baths and a close shave! But self-care is also about improving your day-to-day experience with oral care. Visiting our dental clinic isn't just about fixing dental issues you may currently be experiencing but to help improve your overall hygiene experience, so your teeth last you a lifetime!

 Every day we put our mouths through some pretty tough stuff – we munch, crunch, and although we strongly advise against this, we sometimes tear open packaging with our teeth. This wear and tear on our teeth impact our dental health, and may eventually affect your overall health. Only a dentist can recognize any issues and recommend a plan to prevent further damage or treat the problem you're currently experiencing. 

According to statistics, roughly 80 percent of Canadians have a dentist. Approximately 85.7 percent of Canadians see a dentist every two years. We love to hear this but there is always room for improvement! Several people still don't visit us nearly enough, or ever. Avoiding a visit to the dentist may be caused by anxiety or the inability to afford dental care. 

If dental anxiety or phobia has kept you from visiting a dentist, you are not alone. According to a survey, 5.5 percent of the 1,100 Canadians surveyed were highly fearful of visiting a dentist, and over half of those had canceled or skipped a dental appointment.

According to another study, 6.8 million Canadians, or approximately 22.4% of the population, avoided seeing a dentist in 2018 because it was too expensive. That means 1 in 5 Canadians avoids dental care because they cannot afford it. If dental care costs are a concern, please talk to us. We offer many payment options and can prioritize and stagger your treatments to give you the smile you deserve in a timeframe you can afford.

When your dental team knows about your concerns and fears, we will work with you to create a customized plan that helps reduce anxiety, improve satisfaction, and enjoy the positive physical and mental effects of good oral health.

 

What to Expect at First Visit

During your first visit, our team will get to know you by asking questions about your medical and oral health history. Please bring a list of any medications you may be taking and their dosages. Be sure to include all vitamins and over-the-counter supplements. 

Simplify your first visit by filling out our New Patient Forms before your appointment.

We love educating our patients and answering questions, so don't be shy! We encourage you to ask questions and express your concerns and needs. 

Next, we will perform a comprehensive oral exam (COE) which may include x-rays, a non-invasive oral cancer screening, photos, and a thorough exam of your gums, teeth, bite, and jaw.

If no signs of periodontal disease are present, you will have a routine cleaning. If we notice signs of periodontal disease or your first visit is a dental emergency, we may reschedule the cleaning to allow more time. 

To accurately diagnosis and make treatments easier for our patients, our Kelowna dental clinic continuously invests in new equipment and technology such as modern 3D imaging and entirely computerized charting and x-rays. 

We are also proud to offer numerous other procedures at Rutland Dental Centre, such as IV sedation, dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, comprehensive orthodontics, Invisalign®, TMD, sleep apnea treatment and numerous other treatments. 

Once your exam is complete, our dentists will review their findings with you and work on a treatment plan that reflects your wants and needs while giving you a functional, healthy smile. 

 

How Long will my First Appointment Take?

Your first appointment will take approximately 90 minutes, allowing us to introduce you to the team and conduct a thorough review. We then create a plan to meet your dental needs.

 

How Do I Pay for my Dental Work?

We accept cash, cheque, Debit, MasterCard, and Visa payments.

 

Dental Insurance

We direct bill your insurance via Electronic Data Interchange which will result in a much faster receipt of payment to you from the insurance company — sometimes immediately or in a matter of days.

 

Where Do I Find Rutland Dental Centre?

We are all smiles about our NEW location opening Summer 2022 at the corner of Rutland Road North and Bach Road. Lots of parking, conveniently located in a beautiful new office makes Rutland Dental Centre an ideal option for visiting a dentist in Kelowna.

 

Book Your First Appointment With Us!

Do not let your anxiety or fear of costs keep you from achieving essential oral health. Enjoy a hassle-free visit with our friendly team of dental care professionals. Consider making your first visit at Rutland Dental in Kelowna for better oral health.

 

 

References:

1. Statistics Canada.  “Dental Care”. Retrieved from 150.statcan.gc.ca: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2019001/article/00010-eng.htm
2. University Of Toronto. “Women More Afraid Of Dentists Than Men: University Of Toronto Study”. Retrieved from sciencedaily.com: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050621094848.htm#:~:text=Overall%2C%205.5%20per%20cent%20of,people%20who%20reported%20low%20anxiety.
3. Chanpong. “Need And Demand For Sedation Or General Anesthesia In Dentistry: A National Survey Of The Canadian Population”. Retrieved from nih.gov: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2526218/