Dr. Philip Solyn Chang – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Philip Solyn Chang is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chang is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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. Chang 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. Philip Solyn Chang earned a Dental Degree. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Chang's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Chang is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting a dedication to professional excellence and a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Chang's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; 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. Chang provides consultations in English.

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

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Dental Pain Emergency

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

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.

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

At Dr. Philip Solyn Chang'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. Chang frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care, Dr. Chang offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• At Dr. Chang's clinic, addressing a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• Effectively addressing an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention with Dr. Chang's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence and social interactions.
• If feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning is preventing you from fully enjoying being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures or causing discomfort, Dr. Chang offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Chang's practice is a dental office in Vancouver, situated in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), Gastown, Chinatown neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) 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.

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

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

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

Your first visit with Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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.

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

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Chang are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Chang may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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 any potential exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chang 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chang will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients 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. It is important to follow Dr. Chang's specific recommendation.

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 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

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

615 Main St
Vancouver, BC, V6A 2V4

Phone: (604) 979-8828

Dr. Philip Solyn Chang 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. Chang 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.