Dr. Luke Alan Cockerham – Dentist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Luke Alan Cockerham is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Cockerham is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Cockerham 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. Cockerham 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. Cockerham 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. Luke Alan Cockerham earned a Dental Degree. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Cockerham has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Cockerham is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Cockerham's dedication to professional excellence and the pursuit of knowledge in the ever-evolving field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Cockerham's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Cockerham provides consultations in English.

Dr. Luke Alan Cockerham 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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): 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• 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.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

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

At Dr. Luke Alan Cockerham'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. Cockerham frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite, Dr. Cockerham offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.
• If their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities is preventing you from fully enjoying their child participating happily in school photos and social activities or causing discomfort, Dr. Cockerham offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods with Dr. Cockerham's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain once more.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively is a common journey for patients under Dr. Cockerham's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, so that daily routines and pleasures like resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain become straightforward again.

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

Dr. Cockerham's practice, a dental office in Burnaby, is situated in the Brentwood Park, Willingdon Heights neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Central Park and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Cockerham 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, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer to specialists when more complex needs arise.

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 minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Cockerham will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Cockerham will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between visits. It's essential to follow Dr. Cockerham's specific recommendations.

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

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

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

Your first visit will 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. Cockerham will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

5508 Halifax St
Burnaby, BC, V5B 2N7

Phone: (509) 964-6518

Dr. Luke Alan Cockerham 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. Cockerham 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.