Dr. Leon C. Yu – Dentist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Leon C. Yu is a Periodontist. Practicing at a periodontist practice in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Yu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Yu is licensed by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in AB. As a certified specialist in Periodontics, Dr. Yu focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Services include non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapies, gum grafting, bone grafting, and the surgical placement and maintenance of dental implants, as well as management of peri-implant diseases. Dr. Yu 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. Leon C. Yu earned a Dental Degree. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery. Dr. Yu brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Yu is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Yu remains at the forefront of advancements in periodontal care and implant dentistry, benefiting patients with the most current and effective treatment approaches.

Key aspects of Dr. Yu's dental practice philosophy include: 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; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Yu provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. Leon C. Yu addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• 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: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Periodontal Gum Disease Advanced

• Moderate to Severe Periodontitis (Gum Disease with Bone Loss): Addressing severe periodontal infections and their destructive consequences on the tooth-supporting structures to stabilize the condition, save teeth where possible, and restore gum health.
• Aggressive Forms of Periodontitis: Rapidly progressing periodontal disease, often seen in younger individuals or those with specific risk factors, requiring intensive specialist management to control bone loss and tooth mobility.

Severe Gingivitis

• Severe or Persistent Gingivitis Unresponsive to Routine Care: Seeking advanced diagnosis and management for severe gum inflammation.

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

• Comprehensive Periodontal Examination & Diagnosis: Thorough examination of the supporting structures of the teeth to identify and manage gum-related problems.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Specialist Dental Implant Surgical Placement: Expert surgical placement of dental implants by a periodontal or oral surgery specialist, including management of complex cases, immediate implant placement, and implant site development.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Yu. 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. Leon C. Yu adhere to scope of practice for Periodontists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. Yu is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. Leon C. Yu's practice, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Yu provides dedicated support for patients going through their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed, always aiming for positive outcomes like their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• When concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance, Dr. Yu and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event and a return to comfort and confidence.
• When patients discuss a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture, Dr. Yu outlines a path to their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Yu about experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits is to attain their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Yu, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Yu is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Yu's practice is a dental office located in the Downtown Core neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near World Waterpark and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). 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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Yu 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, provincial health plans like the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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 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 and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

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

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. Yu.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Yu will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Yu's specific recommendation is essential.

Can persistent bad breath or bleeding gums be a sign I need to see a Periodontist like Dr. Yu?

Yes, persistent bad breath or bleeding gums can be signs of gum disease (periodontitis). While a general dentist often provides initial treatment, a Periodontist like Dr. Yu specializes in diagnosing and treating more advanced or complex cases, including surgical and non-surgical therapies. A referral from a general dentist is common.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Yu will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also often be performed or scheduled.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some specialists may accept patients directly, a referral from a general dentist is often recommended or required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information. If Dr. Yu identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral.

10109 - 106 Street, Suite 1003B
Edmonton, AB, T5J 3L7

Phone: (780) 428-9199

Dr. Leon C. Yu is a licensed Periodontist in AB, regulated by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Yu 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.