Dr. Maria Luisa Coquinco

Dr. Maria Luisa Coquinco provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• 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.
• 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).

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

At Parkside Dental Clinic, 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. Coquinco frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Coquinco's practice, a key objective is being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
• Effectively addressing a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation with Dr. Coquinco's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth and social interactions.
• Dr. Coquinco provides dedicated support for patients going through a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close, always aiming for positive outcomes like their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
• When a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Coquinco helps patients strive for transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. This makes participating in activities such as knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Parkside Dental Clinic, where Dr. Coquinco practices, is situated in the Central Richmond (City Centre South, Brighouse) neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Richmond Olympic Oval and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Coquinco at Parkside Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Coquinco 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. Coquinco 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.

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 may be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, 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 public coverage and to always check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Parkside Dental Clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Coquinco 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 require more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's essential to follow Dr. Coquinco's specific recommendations.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used during the procedure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Coquinco 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).

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Parkside Dental Clinic's regular office hours?

If you experience a life-threatening dental emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening dental issues requiring prompt attention outside of Parkside Dental Clinic’s hours (e.g., severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, dental abscess with moderate swelling, or broken tooth causing sharp pain), call the main office number at (604) 270-3133. The voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Coquinco or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service in Richmond.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You can contact Parkside Dental Clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Coquinco.

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good overall health. Dr. Coquinco can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to determine your suitability for dental implants. Dr. Coquinco offers implant consultations and services.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Coquinco is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including 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 offer cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

Parkside Dental Clinic
601-8119 Park Road
Richmond, BC, V6Y 0M5

Phone: (604) 270-3133

Dr. Maria Luisa Coquinco 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. Coquinco 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.