Dr. Ellen Sumin Koo – Dentist | Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Ellen Sumin Koo is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Coquitlam, BC, Dr. Koo is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Koo 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. Koo 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. Koo 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. Ellen Sumin Koo earned a Dental Degree. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Koo's clinical experience is extensive and varied. Dr. Koo is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Koo's passion for delivering exceptional dental care and staying at the forefront of advancements in the field.

Key aspects of Dr. Koo's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Koo is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Korean.

Dr. Ellen Sumin Koo 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.

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

At Dr. Ellen Sumin Koo'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. Koo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence can cause, Dr. Koo tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, allowing for renewed participation in activities like feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• Are you struggling with concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly? Dr. Koo partners with patients to target gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort a much more achievable reality.
• Dr. Koo expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, means they can happily and comfortably get back to enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• Overcoming or effectively managing looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults is a common journey for patients under Dr. Koo's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, so that daily routines and pleasures like their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort become straightforward again.

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

Dr. Koo's practice, a dental office in Coquitlam, is situated in the Southwest Coquitlam (Maillardville) neighborhood of Coquitlam. The clinic is conveniently located near Access to West Coast Express and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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. Koo.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Koo 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. Koo's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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. Koo 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 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. Some 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). Patients should verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and check their private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Koo 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. Koo 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.

2130 Austin Ave
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 3R8

Phone: (604) 936-0733

Dr. Ellen Sumin Koo 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. Koo 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.