Dr. Andrew Tak-Yiu Chiu

Dr. Andrew Tak-Yiu Chiu provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.

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

At Loft19dental, 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. Chiu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Chiu to see patients who were troubled by their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably successfully achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling that their smile truly reflects their personality and inner confidence..
• Dr. Chiu provides dedicated support for patients going through a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.
• At Dr. Chiu's clinic, addressing their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.
• Managing their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Chiu and the dental team. The clear aim is always a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Dr. Chiu's practice, Loft19dental, is situated in the Riley Park-Little Mountain East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near BC Place (nearby) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chiu 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 crucial to follow Dr. Chiu's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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. Chiu 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chiu at Loft19dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Chiu will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Chiu will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Chiu for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Loft19dental.

Loft19dental
3511 Fraser St
Vancouver, BC, V5V 4C5

Phone: (604) 322-6612

Dr. Andrew Tak-Yiu Chiu 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. Chiu 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.