Okanagan Periodontics

Okanagan Periodontics, periodontics and implants in Kelowna

Okanagan Periodontics is a specialty dental clinic based in Kelowna, British Columbia, focused on the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases and conditions. Its practice also includes areas of cosmetic dentistry, reconstruction, and implant surgery. The clinic serves both patients referred by their dentist and individuals who come without needing a referral.

The team is led by Dr. Steven Faigan, a certified specialist in periodontics and implant surgery, and founder of the clinic. According to the practice's own information, the team has been providing periodontal and implant treatment since 1994 and has accumulated more than 25 years of service in the Okanagan Valley.

Periodontal and implantology services

The clinic's treatment catalog covers surgical and non-surgical options for gum diseases and dental supporting tissues:

• Dental implants as permanent replacement for missing teeth.
• Treatment of periodontal (gum) disease.
• Treatment of peri-implant diseases.
• Crown lengthening surgery.
• Tooth extractions and socket grafting.
• Non-surgical periodontal therapy.
• Gingival (gum) grafting.
• Bone grafting and ridge augmentation.
• Oral medicine and biopsy services.
• Surgical periodontal therapy.
• Cosmetic periodontal surgery.
• Sinus grafting.

The clinic also offers follow-up after periodontal therapy, with guidance on what to expect after treatment, and has patient resources on periodontal disease and pre- and post-operative care.

The role of the periodontal hygienist

The practice explains the difference between a conventional dental hygienist and a periodontal hygienist. The former handles routine cleanings in the general dentist's office and, when they detect signs of gum disease, measures the pockets around the teeth; if they reach a certain depth, the dentist refers the patient to the periodontist. The periodontal hygienist works alongside the periodontist in a specialty clinic such as Okanagan Periodontics, with specific training and experience to clean teeth and gums with deep pockets and other symptoms of periodontal disease. Periodontal cleaning, also called periodontal maintenance, requires specific instruments to remove hardened plaque and calculus below the gum line. These professionals also perform scaling and root planing, a procedure that cleans and removes plaque from the surface of dental roots and uses local anesthesia for greater patient comfort.

Dr. Steven Faigan's background

Dr. Steven Faigan earned his Bachelor of Science in Physiology and his dental degree from McGill University in Montreal in 1990. He later graduated from Boston University, where he obtained a certificate of advanced studies in General Dentistry and a specialty certificate in Periodontics and Oral Biology in 1993. He has served as a periodontal consultant for the BC Cancer Agency and was president of the BC Society of Periodontists. He is an associate clinical professor at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry and founder and mentor of the Okanagan Periodontal Study Club, established in 1995. He maintains a private specialty practice in Kelowna dedicated to periodontics and oral biology, actively participates in continuing education programs, and has published works in his field. He shows a particular interest in cosmetic and implant periodontal surgery with a restoration-oriented approach.

Continuing education and professional community

The clinic maintains a resource line aimed at professionals: materials for dentists, hygienists, and certified dental assistants (CDA), as well as a referral form for dental offices. It organizes continuing education activities and events, including the Okanagan Periodontal Study Club. As part of these activities, the clinic shared Dr. Faigan's presentation given in the virtual program of the 2021 Thompson Okanagan Dental Society (TODS) annual meeting.

Location and patient care

The office is located in the Orchard Plaza Shopping Centre, in the Orchard Plaza Professional Building, across from Orchard Park Mall and above Royal LePage. The clinic presents itself as a point of care for new patients in the area and lists among its nearby referral areas Landmark, Dilworth, North Central, Central City, Leathead, and Glenmore. A referral is not necessary to visit Okanagan Periodontics. The practice is part of the 123Dentist network and its site mentions information about the benefits of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Location and contact

1890 Cooper Rd #102, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8B7 · Phone: (250) 868-8626 · Email: reception@okanaganperiodontics.com · Hours: Mon: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Tue: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Wed: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Thu: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Fri: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sat: Closed; Sun: Closed