Dr. Michael Tat-Kuen Lau – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Michael Tat-Kuen Lau is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Lau is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lau 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. Lau 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. Lau 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. Michael Tat-Kuen Lau earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Lau has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lau is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Lau remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients. This dedication reflects Dr. Lau's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Lau's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Lau is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Dr. Michael Tat-Kuen Lau 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

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Michael Tat-Kuen Lau'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. Lau frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth to wellness often involves Dr. Lau's dedicated care. The milestone is their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, which opens the door back to activities such as replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• With Dr. Lau's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns is focused on achieving their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children without dental concerns.
• Dr. Lau expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, means they can happily and comfortably get back to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• Many people seek Dr. Lau's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine.

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

Dr. Lau's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Riley Park-Little Mountain East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Vancouver Art Gallery and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). 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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Lau 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lau is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including 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 (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Lau also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Lau and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Lau will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients is recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Lau will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Always follow Dr. Lau's specific recommendation.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Lau for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

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 act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Lau can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Lau can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

3537 Main Street
Vancouver, BC, V5V 3N4

Phone: (604) 872-6027

Dr. Michael Tat-Kuen Lau 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. Lau 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.