Dr. James Ting Pong Luk – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. James Ting Pong Luk is a Dentist. Practicing at Victoria Drive Dental Clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Luk is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Luk 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. Luk 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. Luk 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 Victoria Drive Dental Clinic.

Dr. James Ting Pong Luk earned a Dental Degree. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Luk has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Luk is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Luk remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently applying the most effective and modern approaches to patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Luk's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Luk is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

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

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): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.

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

At Victoria Drive 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. Luk frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming, Dr. Luk offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Luk about their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention is to attain their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist). This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• For those affected by their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed, Dr. Luk provides solutions that lead to finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.
• Overcoming or effectively managing ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem is a common journey for patients under Dr. Luk's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, so that daily routines and pleasures like their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance become straightforward again.

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

Victoria Drive Dental Clinic, where Dr. Luk practices, is situated in the Victoria-Fraserview, Killarney West neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Granville Island 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Luk is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care such as check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Restorative treatments encompass fillings, crowns, and bridges. Dr. Luk also provides basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, and initial management of gum disease. Cosmetic procedures, like whitening or bonding, may also be offered. Dr. Luk also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Luk at Victoria Drive Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Luk 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. Luk 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Luk 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 (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Luk'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 also used. 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. Luk 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 is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing, gums that appear red or puffy, or gums that feel sore. 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. Luk are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

Victoria Drive Dental Clinic
6201 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC, V5P 3X5

Phone: (604) 322-6782

Dr. James Ting Pong Luk 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. Luk 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.