Dr. Ray Tze Chow – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Ray Tze Chow is a Dentist. Practicing at Elements Dental in Victoria, BC, Dr. Chow is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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. Chow 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 Elements Dental.

Dr. Ray Tze Chow earned a Dental Degree. With over 32 years of practice since 1993, Dr. Chow has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chow is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Chow's dedication to professional excellence and patient well-being.

Key aspects of Dr. Chow's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Chow is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Ray Tze Chow 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.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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.

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.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

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

• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• 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.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

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

At Elements 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. Chow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider has unfortunately put being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chow works closely with patients towards attaining their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Patients presenting with a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health under Dr. Chow's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth without the former limitations or discomfort.
• A key objective when treating wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent at Dr. Chow's welcoming dental clinic is achieving achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth.
• For individuals troubled by a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident, Dr. Chow's approach is focused on delivering their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet with a healthier smile.

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

Dr. Chow's practice, Elements Dental, is situated in the James Bay, Beacon Hill Park Area neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Inner Harbour and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Chow 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 more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. Chow's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chow at Elements Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Chow 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. Chow will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

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

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 during the procedure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chow 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 should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Elements Dental's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Elements Dental’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (250) 940-8111. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Chow or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Victoria area.

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

In BC, 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's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Elements Dental.

Elements Dental
401-1025 Johnson St
Victoria, BC, V8V 0G7

Phone: (250) 940-8111

Dr. Ray Tze Chow 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. Chow 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.