Dr. James Taewhan Kim

Dr. James Taewhan Kim 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

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• 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.

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

At Sunstone Dental Clinic, 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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile is preventing you from fully enjoying their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain or causing discomfort, Dr. Kim offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Understanding the frustration a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming can cause, Dr. Kim tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• At Dr. Kim's clinic, addressing recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit means focusing on patient goals. Achieving feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities is a common journey for patients under Dr. Kim's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation, so that daily routines and pleasures like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing become straightforward again.

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

Sunstone Dental Clinic, where Dr. Kim practices, is situated in the North Delta (Sunshine Hills, Scottsdale) neighborhood of Delta. The clinic is conveniently located near Delta City Hall and is accessible via TransLink (Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Sunstone Dental Clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kim.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at Sunstone Dental Clinic with Dr. Kim?

We welcome new patients to Sunstone Dental Clinic! To become a new patient with Dr. Kim, please call our office at (604) 428-8722 or visit our website at if online booking is available. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

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 for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may cover dental care for eligible groups such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Sunstone Dental Clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Kim 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) while others may have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendations.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kim will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at Sunstone Dental Clinic?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Kim will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kim provides primary dental care for all ages. Services include 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 may include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Kim also provides education on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

Sunstone Dental Clinic
102-10781 Delsom Crescent
Delta, BC, V4C 0A5

Phone: (604) 428-8722

Dr. James Taewhan Kim 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. Kim 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.