Dr. Maria Francisca Valdes – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Maria Francisca Valdes is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Valdes is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Valdes 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. Valdes 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. Valdes 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. Maria Francisca Valdes earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Valdes has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Valdes is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that their patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting a dedication to professional growth and a commitment to staying at the forefront of dental advancements.

Key aspects of Dr. Valdes's dental practice philosophy include: 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. Valdes is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Filipino and Tagalog.

Dr. Maria Francisca Valdes 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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• 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.

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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• 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.

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

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At Dr. Maria Francisca Valdes'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. Valdes frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard, Dr. Valdes and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Through Dr. Valdes's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed often find they can readily achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming, Dr. Valdes offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
• Managing a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Valdes and the dental team. The clear aim is always a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Dr. Valdes's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Renfrew-Collingwood West, Killarney East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near City Square Shopping Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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. Valdes.

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 before treatment.

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

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

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

We welcome new patients! To become a new patient with Dr. Valdes, please call our office at (604) 434-4412 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!

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Valdes is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Valdes will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs and risk factors. Some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals.

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

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

3048 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC, V5R 5J7

Phone: (604) 434-4412

Dr. Maria Francisca Valdes 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. Valdes 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.