Dr. Eric Ho-Ki Chu – Dentist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Eric Ho-Ki Chu is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Surrey, BC, Dr. Chu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chu 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. Chu 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. Chu 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. Eric Ho-Ki Chu earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Chu has accumulated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chu is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chu 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. Chu's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Chu is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Eric Ho-Ki Chu 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

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• 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.

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.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Eric Ho-Ki Chu'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. Chu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite has unfortunately put feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chu works closely with patients towards attaining their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple at Dr. Chu's practice is consistently achieving a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Chu with concerns about their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs, making a positive and lasting return to concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Patients presenting with experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies under Dr. Chu's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Dr. Chu's practice is a dental office conveniently located in the Fleetwood, Guildford East neighborhood of Surrey. The clinic is situated near the Museum of Surrey and is easily accessible via TransLink, utilizing the SkyTrain Expo Line or bus routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Chu will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Chu's specific recommendation is key to maintaining optimal oral health.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Chu for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. 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 individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to check your private dental insurance coverage details and verify eligibility for any potential public coverage before your treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chu is your primary dental care provider, 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 potentially some cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Chu also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when necessary for more complex needs.

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

At your first visit, Dr. Chu and the team will get to know you and your oral health history. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Based on this, Dr. Chu will explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a great opportunity to ask questions.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Chu offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Chu focuses on comprehensive general dentistry. While many restorative procedures improve aesthetics, for specific cosmetic concerns, Dr. Chu can discuss options like teeth whitening or bonding, or refer you to a specialist in cosmetic dentistry or a prosthodontist for more advanced procedures.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chu will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and risk factors, following guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

105 - 15988 Fraser Hwy.
Surrey, BC, V4N 0X8

Phone: (604) 597-8333

Dr. Eric Ho-Ki Chu 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. Chu 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.