Dr. Henry Ma

Dr. Henry Ma 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.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Gum Disease Initial

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

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

At Dr. Henry Ma'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. Ma frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is a primary concern, Dr. Ma focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.
• If their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider has unfortunately put no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Ma works closely with patients towards attaining feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems at Dr. Ma's practice is consistently achieving experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Ma to see patients who were troubled by an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing successfully achieve a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.

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

Dr. Ma's practice, a dental office in Fort St. John, is situated in a central location within the Fort St. John neighborhood of Fort St. John. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Ma 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. Ma 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.

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 any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Ma 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 BC, 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is important 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.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Ma will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Ma's specific recommendation is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

9629 100 Ave
Fort St. John, BC, V1J 1Y2

Phone: (250) 787-1918

Dr. Henry Ma 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. Ma 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.