Dr. Lawrence Tru Phong Lai – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Lawrence Tru Phong Lai is a Dentist. Practicing at AARM Dental Yaletown in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Lai is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lai 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. Lai 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. Lai 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 AARM Dental Yaletown.

Dr. Lawrence Tru Phong Lai earned a Dental Degree. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Lai has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lai is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Lai's ongoing pursuit of professional excellence and commitment to patient well-being.

Key aspects of Dr. Lai's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Lai is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Mandarin.

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At AARM Dental Yaletown, 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. Lai frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Lai often consults with patients whose wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent significantly limits their enjoyment of their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For those affected by a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident, Dr. Lai provides solutions that lead to their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard, involves working systematically towards their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment. Dr. Lai expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• For individuals troubled by their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to, Dr. Lai's approach is focused on delivering their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions with a healthier smile.

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

AARM Dental Yaletown, where Dr. Lai practices, is situated in the Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Museum of Vancouver / H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (Vanier Park) 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.

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

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

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Lai 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 essential to follow Dr. Lai's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 to minimize any potential 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. Lai 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. Lai typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Lai is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Lai also provides important education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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 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 provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lai at AARM Dental Yaletown?

Your first visit with Dr. Lai 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. Lai will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

AARM Dental Yaletown
1188 Balfour Avenue
Vancouver, BC, V6H 1X4

Phone: (604) 617-1138

Dr. Lawrence Tru Phong Lai 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. Lai 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.