Dr. Ja Yoon Choi – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Ja Yoon Choi is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Choi is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Choi 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. Choi 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. Choi 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. Ja Yoon Choi earned a Dental Degree. With over 13 years of practice since 2012, Dr. Choi has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Choi is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Choi remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Choi's dental practice philosophy include: 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; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Choi provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

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

At Dr. Ja Yoon Choi'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. Choi frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them can cause, Dr. Choi tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Choi when they first notice an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management, enabling them to once again enjoy their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post without hesitation.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation, Dr. Choi offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• Effectively addressing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma with Dr. Choi's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations and social interactions.

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

Dr. Choi's practice is a dental office in Vancouver, situated in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), Gastown, Chinatown neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Vancouver Lookout and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Choi 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Choi typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Choi 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). Dr. Choi also educates on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Choi 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. Choi 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.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Choi help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Choi can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Choi will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). It is important to follow Dr. Choi's specific recommendation.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Choi are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Choi may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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 or government assistance programs for eligible groups. Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

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

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. Choi.

1655 Main Street
Vancouver, BC, V6A 2W5

Phone: (778) 887-0937

Dr. Ja Yoon Choi 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. Choi 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.