Dr. Christopher Gordon Mah – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Christopher Gordon Mah is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Mah is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mah 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. Mah 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. Mah 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. Christopher Gordon Mah earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Mah has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Mah 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. Mah's dedication to professional excellence and staying at the forefront of modern dental practices.

Key aspects of Dr. Mah's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Mah provides consultations in English.

Dr. Christopher Gordon Mah 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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

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.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• 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: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

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

At Dr. Christopher Gordon Mah'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. Mah frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury can cause, Dr. Mah tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Mah about wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant is to attain their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• Dr. Mah often consults with patients whose a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment significantly limits their enjoyment of singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Mah understands that dealing with experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Mah's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Downtown Vancouver (West End North, Stanley Park) neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Kitsilano Beach and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Mah 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 might need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Mah's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Mah 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 include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Mah also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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. Mah.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Mah 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. Mah will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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 diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Mah 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 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. Some specific, 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 groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

107-1030 Denman St
Vancouver, BC, V6G 2M6

Phone: (604) 688-3335

Dr. Christopher Gordon Mah 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. Mah 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.