Dr. Stephen Chow – Dentist | Mission, BC

Dr. Stephen Chow is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Mission, BC, Dr. Chow is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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. Chow 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. Stephen Chow earned a Dental Degree. With over 20 years of practice since 2005, Dr. Chow has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chow is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Chow's dedication to professional excellence and staying at the forefront of dental advancements.

Key aspects of Dr. Chow's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Chow is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Stephen Chow 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

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.

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

At Dr. Stephen Chow'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. Chow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long is a primary concern, Dr. Chow focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Chow about their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach is to attain their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence..
• When patients discuss a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients, Dr. Chow outlines a path to their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• Dr. Chow provides dedicated support for patients going through their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), always aiming for positive outcomes like their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends.

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

Dr. Chow's practice, a dental office in Mission, is situated in a central location within the Mission neighborhood of Mission. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Chow and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Chow will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chow 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).

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, 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. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chow 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 visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Chow's specific recommendation is crucial.

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

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

1 - 7576 Grand St
Mission, BC, V2V 3T1

Phone: (604) 826-3805

Dr. Stephen Chow 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. Chow 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.