Dr. Andy Shiu Fung Lam – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Andy Shiu Fung Lam is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Lam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lam 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. Lam 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. Lam 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. Andy Shiu Fung Lam earned a Dental Degree. With over 12 years of practice since 2013, Dr. Lam has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lam 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. Lam's dedication to professional excellence and staying at the forefront of dental advancements.

Key aspects of Dr. Lam's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Lam is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Dr. Andy Shiu Fung Lam provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

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.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• 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.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.

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

At Dr. Andy Shiu Fung Lam'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. Lam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Lam's comprehensive care for concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches is meticulously designed to result in the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits without dental worries.
• If persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lam develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• Patients presenting with their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation under Dr. Lam's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Dr. Lam understands that dealing with a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, helping patients comfortably get back to maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Lam's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Renfrew-Collingwood West, Killarney East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Queen Elizabeth Park and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lam 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Lam also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex needs arise.

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 further minimize exposure. 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. Lam 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. Lam at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Lam 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. Lam will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to see a general dentist. You can contact the clinic directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lam.

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not typically cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental 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 plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Lam will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may require less frequent appointments. Always follow Dr. Lam's specific recommendations.

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

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. However, we request at least 24 business hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed entirely, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $75. We appreciate your cooperation.

5258 Joyce St
Vancouver, BC, V5R 6C9

Phone: (604) 437-7073

Dr. Andy Shiu Fung Lam 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. Lam 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.