Dr. John Howard Lucke Hong – Dentist | Prince George, BC

Dr. John Howard Lucke Hong is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Prince George, BC, Dr. Hong is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hong 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. Hong 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. Hong 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. John Howard Lucke Hong earned a Dental Degree. With over 50 years of practice since 1975, Dr. Hong has accumulated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Hong is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the benefit of the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques, contributing to superior treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Key aspects of Dr. Hong's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Hong provides consultations in English.

Dr. John Howard Lucke Hong 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): 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

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

At Dr. John Howard Lucke Hong'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. Hong frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention, Dr. Hong offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Hong to see patients who were troubled by persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene successfully achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• Patients experiencing a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Hong's practice, a key objective is their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
• Understanding the frustration the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding can cause, Dr. Hong tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, allowing for renewed participation in activities like confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.

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

Dr. Hong's practice, a dental office in Prince George, is situated in the West Prince George, College Heights neighborhood of Prince George. The clinic is conveniently located near Commercial Corridors and is accessible via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Hong 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).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Hong 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 if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It is important to follow Dr. Hong's specific recommendation.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Hong 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. Hong 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.

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 (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is important 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. Hong?

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

4122 15th Ave
Prince George, BC, V2M 1V9

Phone: (250) 960-3807

Dr. John Howard Lucke Hong 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. Hong 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.