Dr. Brian Chanho Shim – Dentist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Brian Chanho Shim is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Shim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shim 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. Shim 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. Shim 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. Brian Chanho Shim earned a Dental Degree. With over 4 years of practice since 2021, Dr. Shim has cultivated a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Shim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Shim's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Shim'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; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Shim is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Korean.

Dr. Brian Chanho Shim 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

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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): 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.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

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.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At Dr. Brian Chanho Shim'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. Shim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options with Dr. Shim's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies once more.
• At Dr. Shim's clinic, addressing feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.
• The journey from an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing to wellness often involves Dr. Shim's dedicated care. The milestone is a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, which opens the door back to activities such as feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• Are you struggling with a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation? Dr. Shim partners with patients to target their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Shim's practice is a modern dental office conveniently located in the Coquitlam West / Burnaby East (Lougheed Town Centre area) neighborhood of Burnaby, BC. The clinic enjoys a central location near Burnaby City Hall (Canada Way) and is easily accessible via TransLink, utilizing the SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines and various bus routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. The majority of dental care costs are the responsibility of the patient, typically paid out-of-pocket or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs exist for specific eligible groups (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on particular benefits, social assistance recipients). Patients should independently verify their eligibility for any public coverage and thoroughly review their private dental insurance details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.

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

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

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Shim.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Shim and the team will get to know you and your oral health history. Expect to complete a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken for a complete assessment. Dr. Shim will then explain their findings and any recommended treatments. It's an excellent opportunity to ask questions.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Shim will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

9855 Austin Ave, 143 Lougheed Town Centre
Burnaby, BC, V3J 1N4

Phone: (780) 974-8956

Dr. Brian Chanho Shim 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. Shim 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.