Dr. Mike Shenglai Chen – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Mike Shenglai Chen is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chen 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. Chen 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. Chen 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. Mike Shenglai Chen earned a Dental Degree. With over 30 years of practice since 1995, Dr. Chen has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chen remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Chen's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Chen provides consultations in English.

Dr. Mike Shenglai Chen 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• 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.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.

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

At Dr. Mike Shenglai Chen'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. Chen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect can cause, Dr. Chen tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, allowing for renewed participation in activities like simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• For those affected by their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities, Dr. Chen provides solutions that lead to receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• When a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Chen helps patients strive for their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance. This makes participating in activities such as experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Chen with concerns about their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option, making a positive and lasting return to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Chen's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Renfrew-Collingwood East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Hotel Vancouver 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.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chen 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, inlays, onlays), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease (gingivitis and mild periodontitis), and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Chen also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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 <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. 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's crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chen will personalize your 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 for active gum disease), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Chen's specific recommendations.

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

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. Chen.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention involves consistent home care and regular professional visits with Dr. Chen. This includes brushing twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Chen may also suggest additional preventative measures such as dental sealants or fluoride applications, especially for children.

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

Your first visit will include a comprehensive dental examination. This involves 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. Chen will discuss the findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be part of this first visit or scheduled soon after.

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

Dental X-rays are safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chen determines the frequency based on your individual needs and follows guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

Yes, for your convenience, our clinic offers direct billing (also known as assignment of benefits) to most major dental insurance companies. This means we can submit your claim electronically directly to your insurer at the time of your appointment. You would then typically be responsible for paying any co-payment, deductible, or the portion of the fee not covered by your specific plan at the time of service. Please bring all your current insurance information (policy number, group number, ID number) to your appointment so we can assist you.

1861 Renfrew St
Vancouver, BC, V5M 3J1

Phone: (604) 253-3828

Dr. Mike Shenglai Chen 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. Chen 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.