Dr. Mark Kiyoshi Suyama – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Mark Kiyoshi Suyama is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Suyama is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Suyama 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. Suyama 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. Suyama 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. Mark Kiyoshi Suyama earned a Dental Degree. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Suyama's extensive clinical experience has provided a strong foundation for their expertise. Dr. Suyama is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most effective and current treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Suyama's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Suyama's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Suyama provides consultations in English.

Dr. Mark Kiyoshi Suyama 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

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

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.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Mark Kiyoshi Suyama'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. Suyama frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them, Dr. Suyama offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.
• Dr. Suyama provides dedicated support for patients going through wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent, always aiming for positive outcomes like their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.
• Many people seek Dr. Suyama's professional help and expertise when dealing with recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health.
• Understanding the frustration feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time can cause, Dr. Suyama tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, allowing for renewed participation in activities like experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.

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

Dr. Suyama's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Downtown Vancouver (Central Business District, Granville) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Stanley Park Entrance 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.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. The majority of dental care costs are covered out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors receiving specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to carefully review your private dental insurance plan details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums) before commencing treatment.

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

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. Suyama.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Suyama promptly.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are also used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Suyama will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Suyama 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 include cosmetic procedures (such as whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes reviewing 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. Suyama will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Suyama will personalize the schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions (e.g., patients managing active gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits, while those with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals). It is essential to follow Dr. Suyama's specific recommendations.

711 Richards St.
Vancouver, BC, V6B 3A6

Phone: (604) 682-1601

Dr. Mark Kiyoshi Suyama 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. Suyama 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.