Dr. Ray Kunhee Kang – Dentist | Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Ray Kunhee Kang is a Dentist. Practicing at Coast Dental in Coquitlam, BC, Dr. Kang is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kang 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. Kang 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. Kang 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 Coast Dental.

Dr. Ray Kunhee Kang earned a Dental Degree. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Kang has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Kang is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Kang remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Kang's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; 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. Kang provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• 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: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.

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

At Coast Dental, 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. Kang frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow can cause, Dr. Kang tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve receiving a definitive diagnosis for an unusual growth or spot in their mouth, leading to appropriate action, allowing for renewed participation in activities like showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing at Dr. Kang's practice is consistently achieving their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• Patients presenting with an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option under Dr. Kang's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence has unfortunately put feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Kang works closely with patients towards attaining their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Coast Dental, where Dr. Kang practices, is conveniently located in the Coquitlam Town Centre, Eagle Ridge neighbourhood of Coquitlam. The clinic is situated near the Evergreen Cultural Centre and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, and bus routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kang at Coast Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kang and the team at Coast Dental 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. Kang will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kang 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, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Kang also provides education on oral hygiene and will refer 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 by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Some government assistance programs may cover dental care for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It's crucial 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 at Coast Dental.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Coast Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Kang.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Kang will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) 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), while others may be able to have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's essential to follow Dr. Kang's specific recommendations.

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 further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Kang 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).

Coast Dental
3030 Lincoln Ave #133
Coquitlam, BC, V3B 6B4

Phone: (604) 942-6282

Dr. Ray Kunhee Kang 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. Kang 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.