Dr. Ann Lu – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Ann Lu is a Dentist. Practicing at Bowker Creek Dental in Victoria, BC, Dr. Lu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lu 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. Lu 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. Lu 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 Bowker Creek Dental.

Dr. Ann Lu earned a Dental Degree. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Lu has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Lu is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Lu remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Lu's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Lu is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Vietnamese.

Dr. Ann Lu 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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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.

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.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• 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.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.

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

At Bowker Creek Dental, 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. Lu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant is a common journey for patients under Dr. Lu's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, so that daily routines and pleasures like their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth become straightforward again.
• Dr. Lu understands that dealing with their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision, helping patients comfortably get back to resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain and feeling their best.
• Patients experiencing a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Lu's practice, a key objective is their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection, involves working systematically towards feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. Dr. Lu expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.

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

Bowker Creek Dental, where Dr. Lu practices, is situated in the Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near a major north-south route and is accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Lu will personalize your schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, patients managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while those with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Lu's specific recommendations.

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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. 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 verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before starting treatment at Bowker Creek Dental.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lu is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals for less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when necessary 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 only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Lu will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lu at Bowker Creek Dental?

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form and discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr. Lu. A thorough examination of your mouth will be conducted, and digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Lu will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a great opportunity to ask questions.

Bowker Creek Dental
408-1990 Fort St
Victoria, BC, V8R 6V4

Phone: (250) 595-5203

Dr. Ann Lu 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. Lu 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.