Dr. Jonathan Kao

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

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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• 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. Kao. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.

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

At Smile By Design, 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. Kao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Kao expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.
• Through Dr. Kao's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them often find they can readily achieve their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• Patients presenting with their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant under Dr. Kao's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Effectively addressing a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable with Dr. Kao's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort and social interactions.

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

Smile By Design, where Dr. Kao practices, is situated in the Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Granville Bridge 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Kao 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. Kao's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kao at Smile By Design?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kao and the team at Smile By Design 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. Kao will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 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) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). We strongly advise patients to verify any potential public coverage they may be eligible for and to always check the details of their private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Smile By Design.

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. Kao 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).

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Smile By Design directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kao.

Smile By Design
203-179 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2Y1

Phone: (604) 633-1717

Dr. Jonathan Kao 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. Kao 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.