Dr. Aloysius Po-Fai Tong – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Aloysius Po-Fai Tong is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Tong is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tong 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. Tong 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. Tong 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. Aloysius Po-Fai Tong earned a Dental Degree. With over 42 years of practice since 1983, Dr. Tong has accumulated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Tong is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Tong remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Tong's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Tong is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Dr. Aloysius Po-Fai Tong provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Aloysius Po-Fai Tong'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. Tong frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Tong to see patients who were troubled by a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered successfully achieve their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Tong about their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort is to attain gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional, involves working systematically towards their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. Dr. Tong expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• If needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth is preventing you from fully enjoying their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care or causing discomfort, Dr. Tong offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Tong's practice is a dental office located in the Oakridge East, Sunset South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Harbour Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Tong typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Tong is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Tong also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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 always used. 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. Tong 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).

What is our clinic's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 48 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Tong. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $75. We appreciate your cooperation.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Tong and the team will get to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Tong will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Tong will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Tong's specific recommendation.

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

In BC, provincial health plans like MSP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures in private clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible groups. Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

No, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact the clinic directly.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density, and are in good general health. Dr. Tong can perform a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Tong offers implant consultations and can refer you to an implant specialist if appropriate.

4925 Main St.
Vancouver, BC, V5W 2R2

Phone: (604) 873-3963

Dr. Aloysius Po-Fai Tong 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. Tong 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.