Dr. Clarence Y.S. Lau – Dentist | Markham, ON

Dr. Clarence Y.S. Lau is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates in Markham, ON, Dr. Lau is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lau is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Lau 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. Lau also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. Lau 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 Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates.

Dr. Clarence Y.S. Lau earned a Dental Degree from Tufts University, graduating in 1997. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. Lau offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Lau is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Lau 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. Lau'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; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Lau provides consultations in English.

Dr. Clarence Y.S. Lau provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• 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.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Lau. 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. Clarence Y.S. Lau adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates, 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. Lau frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain has unfortunately put their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Lau works closely with patients towards attaining their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Lau when they first notice a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, enabling them to once again enjoy no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues without hesitation.
• Are you struggling with wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development? Dr. Lau partners with patients to target experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as travelling and trying new cuisines without fear of unexpected dental emergencies a much more achievable reality.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth with Dr. Lau's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out once more.

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

Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates is situated in the Unionville (South), Buttonville, Milliken Mills West neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near CF Markville Mall and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP 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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment at Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lau at Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lau and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Lau will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lau 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Lau may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Lau 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).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Lau for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates.

Dr. Clarence Lau & Associates
7381 Kennedy Rd #106
Markham, ON, L3R 5B5

Phone: (905) 947-8827

Dr. Clarence Y.S. Lau is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 13644

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13644

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Lau 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.