Dr. Gavin Chu – Dentist | Port Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Gavin Chu is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Port Coquitlam, 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. Gavin Chu earned a Dental Degree. With over 45 years of practice since 1980, Dr. Chu has cultivated 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 fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Chu provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

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.

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.

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. Gavin Chu adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Gavin 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:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain at Dr. Chu's practice is consistently achieving a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
• Dr. Chu often consults with patients whose feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Chu when they first notice needing a completely new set of dentures because their old ones were very worn out, ill-fitting, and no longer functional. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity, enabling them to once again enjoy their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication without hesitation.
• When their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain, Dr. Chu and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health and a return to comfort and confidence.

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 oral 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, a dental office in Port Coquitlam, is situated in the North Port Coquitlam (Coquitlam border) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Industrial Areas and is accessible via TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express). 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 patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chu 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. Chu's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Chu 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. Chu will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

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. Chu.

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 to further minimize exposure. 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. Chu 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 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). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

270 - 2755 Lougheed Highway
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3B 5Y9

Phone: (604) 945-7717

Dr. Gavin 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.