Dr. Ian Christopher Low – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Ian Christopher Low is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Low is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Low 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. Low 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. Low 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. Ian Christopher Low earned a Dental Degree. With over 24 years of practice since 2001, Dr. Low has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Low is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Low's dedication to their profession and the well-being of their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Low's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Low is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Ian Christopher Low 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

• 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• 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. Low. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.

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

At Dr. Ian Christopher Low'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. Low frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly with Dr. Low's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing and social interactions.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile at Dr. Low's practice is consistently achieving their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.
• If experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple is preventing you from fully enjoying no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care or causing discomfort, Dr. Low offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• At Dr. Low's clinic, addressing their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort means focusing on patient goals. Achieving the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care.

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

Dr. Low's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Marpole neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Queen Elizabeth Park and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Low 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 are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Be aware of gums that bleed easily during oral hygiene, appear red or puffy, or feel sore, as these are common indicators of gingivitis. Persistent bad taste or bad breath can also be a sign. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may involve gums pulling away from teeth, noticeable tooth mobility, or discomfort when chewing. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Low are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

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). It is crucial 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. Low?

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. Low.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Low is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

For life-threatening emergencies (severe bleeding, difficulty breathing due to swelling, significant facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, dental abscess, broken tooth causing sharp pain), call our main office number at (604) 266-1151. Our voicemail may provide instructions for emergency contact or direct you to an emergency dental service.

203-2031 W 41st Ave
Vancouver, BC, V6M 1Y7

Phone: (604) 266-1151

Dr. Ian Christopher Low 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. Low 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.