Dr. Carmen Villaluz Chan – Dentist | Richmond, BC

Dr. Carmen Villaluz Chan is a Dentist. Practicing at Urban Dentist in Richmond, BC, Dr. Chan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan 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 Urban Dentist.

Dr. Carmen Villaluz Chan earned a Dental Degree. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Chan has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chan remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Chan's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Chan is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Filipino, Fukienese and Mandarin.

Dr. Carmen Villaluz Chan 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: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• 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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At Urban Dentist, 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. Chan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal with Dr. Chan's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth and social interactions.
• For individuals troubled by their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession, Dr. Chan's approach is focused on delivering transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun with a healthier smile.
• Dr. Chan's comprehensive care for a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about is meticulously designed to result in feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped without dental worries.
• When an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation, Dr. Chan and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Urban Dentist, where Dr. Chan practices, is situated in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Commercial/Industrial Areas and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chan 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 is Urban Dentist's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Chan. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient in need of care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently.

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

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. 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 check your private dental insurance and any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, we generally recommend check-ups and cleanings every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Chan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Chan's specific recommendation.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Urban Dentist's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Urban Dentist’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (604) 278-1907. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Chan or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Richmond area.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chan at Urban Dentist?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Chan and the team at Urban Dentist 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. Chan will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chan is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Urban Dentist
100-7031 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC, V6X 1A3

Phone: (604) 278-1907

Dr. Carmen Villaluz Chan 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. Chan 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.