Dr. Kirsi Maria Larjava – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Kirsi Maria Larjava is a Dentist. Practicing at UBC Faculty of Dentistry in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Larjava is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Larjava 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. Larjava 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. Larjava 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 UBC Faculty of Dentistry.

Dr. Kirsi Maria Larjava earned a Dental Degree. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. Larjava has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Larjava is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that their patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting a dedication to professional growth and excellence in patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Larjava's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Larjava is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Finnish.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

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

• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.

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

At UBC Faculty of Dentistry, 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. Larjava frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Larjava's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury often find they can readily achieve an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.
• Dr. Larjava's comprehensive care for wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth is meticulously designed to result in finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence without dental worries.
• For patients where their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to is a primary concern, Dr. Larjava focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing with Dr. Larjava's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth once more.

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

Dr. Larjava's practice, UBC Faculty of Dentistry, is situated in the UBC Campus Proper neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near City Hall 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 should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of UBC Faculty of Dentistry's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of UBC Faculty of Dentistry’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (604) 790-4919. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Larjava or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Vancouver area.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Larjava at UBC Faculty of Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Larjava and the team at UBC Faculty of Dentistry 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. Larjava 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 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). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at UBC Faculty of Dentistry.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Larjava offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Larjava focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Larjava is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Larjava 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). Follow Dr. Larjava's specific recommendation.

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

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

UBC Faculty of Dentistry
2199 Westbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3

Phone: (604) 790-4919

Dr. Kirsi Maria Larjava 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. Larjava 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.