Dr. Brian Lam – Dentist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Brian Lam is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at a pediatric dentist practice in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Lam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lam is licensed by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in AB. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lam provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. 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. Brian Lam earned a Dental Degree. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Lam brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Modality 1.0 Nitrous Oxide Sedation; Modality 2.0 Nitrous Oxide Sedation. Dr. Lam is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Lam's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Lam provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Brian Lam addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Early Childhood Caries

• Aggressive Tooth Decay (Cavities) in Infants & Toddlers (ECC): Managing extensive cavities in baby teeth, often requiring comprehensive restorative treatment (fillings, crowns, pulp therapy) and intensive preventative strategies (dietary counseling, fluoride, hygiene modification) to prevent further decay, pain, infection, and ensure proper development and function of both primary and permanent dentitions.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Complex dental cases that significantly benefit from the superior diagnostic information and precise measurements provided by CBCT scans for optimal treatment outcomes.

Dental Development Issues

• Anomalies or Delays in Tooth Development or Eruption Sequence: Seeking specialist pediatric dental or orthodontic assessment for irregularities in normal dental development and tooth eruption patterns.

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.

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Tailored dental services to meet the unique needs of growing smiles, from first tooth to teenage years.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Management of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) & Cavities in Children: Comprehensive strategies for preventing and treating cavities in young children, including dietary counseling, hygiene instruction, fluoride application, sealants, and restorative fillings (e.g., composite, stainless steel crowns).
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Pulp Therapy for Primary Teeth (Pulpotomy, Pulpectomy): Endodontic procedures specifically adapted for children's primary teeth to eliminate infection and preserve the tooth.

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. Brian Lam adhere to scope of practice for Pediatric Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lam is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. Brian Lam's practice, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Lam's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning often find they can readily achieve the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.
• Many people seek Dr. Lam's professional help and expertise when dealing with looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively at Dr. Lam's practice is consistently achieving transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• With Dr. Lam's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath is focused on achieving their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth without dental concerns.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Lam, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Lam is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Lam's practice is a dental office in Edmonton, situated in the SW: Lendrum Place, Malmo Plains, Lansdowne neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Core and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lam 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 important to follow Dr. Lam's specific recommendations.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or your insurance plan, to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has the relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Lam identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If you are unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lam and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Lam will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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. Lam.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., 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).

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, provincial health plans like the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

215-2920 CALGARY TR
Edmonton, AB, T6J 2G8

Phone: (780) 441-1101

Dr. Brian Lam is a licensed Pediatric Dentist in AB, regulated by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

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.