Dr. – Elaine Ang Zuo Mei – Dentist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. - Elaine Ang Zuo Mei is a Dentist. Practicing at Columbia Dental in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Mei is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mei 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. Mei 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. Mei 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 Columbia Dental.

Dr. - Elaine Ang Zuo Mei earned a Dental Degree. With approximately one year of practice since 2024, Dr. Mei’s clinical experience continues to grow. Dr. Mei 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. Mei's dedication to professional excellence and the well-being of their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Mei's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Mei is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Malay and Mandarin.

Dr. - Elaine Ang Zuo Mei provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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): 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• 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.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.

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

At Columbia Dental, 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. Mei frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Mei with concerns about feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, making a positive and lasting return to their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Patients presenting with their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures under Dr. Mei's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces is preventing you from fully enjoying no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues or causing discomfort, Dr. Mei offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Dr. Mei expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, means they can happily and comfortably get back to enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.

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

Columbia Dental, where Dr. Mei practices, is situated in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is conveniently located near major access routes and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Mei 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 crucial to follow Dr. Mei's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

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

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Mei 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mei at Columbia Dental?

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

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

In British Columbia, 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Columbia Dental.

Columbia Dental
300 Columbia St Unit 106
Kamloops, BC, V2C 6L1

Phone: (437) 228-6120

Dr. - Elaine Ang Zuo Mei 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. Mei 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.