Dr. James Yan-Yee Hsia – Dentist | Richmond, BC

Dr. James Yan-Yee Hsia is a Dentist. Practicing at Aurora Dental in Richmond, BC, Dr. Hsia is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hsia 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. Hsia 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. Hsia 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 Aurora Dental.

Dr. James Yan-Yee Hsia earned a Dental Degree. With over 44 years of practice since 1981, Dr. Hsia has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Hsia is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Hsia remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Hsia's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Hsia is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Dr. James Yan-Yee Hsia 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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 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 Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

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

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.

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

At Aurora Dental, 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. Hsia frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury, Dr. Hsia offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• Dr. Hsia often consults with patients whose needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth significantly limits their enjoyment of attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• When their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health, Dr. Hsia and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options has unfortunately put no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Hsia works closely with patients towards attaining their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Aurora Dental, where Dr. Hsia practices, is situated in the South Richmond (Broadmoor, Shellmont) neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Garden City Lands Park and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hsia at Aurora Dental?

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

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Hsia will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Hsia's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

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

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hsia 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, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some 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). Government assistance programs may cover dental care for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It's essential to check your private dental insurance coverage details and inquire about any potential public coverage you may be eligible for before your treatment at Aurora Dental.

Aurora Dental
220-10151 No. 3 Rd.
Richmond, BC, V7A 4R6

Phone: (604) 271-6733

Dr. James Yan-Yee Hsia 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. Hsia 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.