Dr. Alphonsus Pui Hang Au

Dr. Alphonsus Pui Hang Au 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.

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

At Dr. Alphonsus Pui Hang Au'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. Au frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances, Dr. Au outlines a path to their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist), aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine.
• Dr. Au understands that dealing with their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration, helping patients comfortably get back to passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children and feeling their best.
• At Dr. Au's clinic, addressing a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about means focusing on patient goals. Achieving gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• Dr. Au's comprehensive care for an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected is meticulously designed to result in their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post without dental worries.

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

Dr. Au's practice is a dental office conveniently located in the Victoria-Fraserview, Killarney West neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic enjoys easy access via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront), and is situated near Canada Line Stations. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Au will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Au's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Au 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, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Au also provides education on proper oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals and families (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance policy regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

At your first appointment, Dr. Au and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health history. You will fill out a medical history form, and Dr. Au will discuss any dental concerns or goals you may have. A thorough examination of your mouth will follow, which may include digital X-rays to obtain a complete picture of your oral health. Based on this assessment, Dr. Au will explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. This initial visit is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Au will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

5775 Victoria Dr.
Vancouver, BC, V5P 3W5

Phone: (604) 325-1231

Dr. Alphonsus Pui Hang Au 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. Au 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.