Dr. Lalaine Lao – Dentist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Lalaine Lao is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Surrey, BC, Dr. Lao is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lao 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. Lao 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. Lao 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. Lalaine Lao earned a Dental Degree. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Lao has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lao is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures that Dr. Lao remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Lao's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Lao is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Filipino, Fukienese and Mandarin.

Dr. Lalaine Lao 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining 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 Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.

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): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.

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

At Dr. Lalaine Lao'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. Lao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Lao provides dedicated support for patients going through an old silver amalgam filling looking dark, unsightly, or potentially failing, always aiming for positive outcomes like their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.
• Dr. Lao's comprehensive care for concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history is meticulously designed to result in a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance without dental worries.
• The journey from wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant to wellness often involves Dr. Lao's dedicated care. The milestone is their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues, which opens the door back to activities such as their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• Dr. Lao often consults with patients whose a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming significantly limits their enjoyment of enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Lao's practice, a dental office in Surrey, is situated in the Newton Central, Bear Creek Area neighborhood of Surrey. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at our clinic with Dr. Lao?

We welcome new patients to our clinic! To become a new patient with Dr. Lao, please call our office at (604) 507-7207 or visit our website at if online booking is available. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Lao.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Lao 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. Lao 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lao 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). Dr. Lao also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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. Lao 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 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). Always check your private dental insurance details and eligibility for any potential public coverage before treatment.

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

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

210-8556 120 St
Surrey, BC, V3W 3N5

Phone: (604) 507-7207

Dr. Lalaine Lao 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. Lao 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.