Dr. Rosanna Hoi Shan Lai

Dr. Rosanna Hoi Shan Lai 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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): 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• 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. Lai. 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. Rosanna Hoi Shan Lai adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Rosanna Hoi Shan Lai'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. Lai frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Lai and the dental team. The clear aim is always their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• If ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lai develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
• Through Dr. Lai's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention often find they can readily achieve their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• Are you struggling with a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them? Dr. Lai partners with patients to target their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Lai's practice, a dental office in Richmond, is situated in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Lansdowne Centre Mall and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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. Lai can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Lai can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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. 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. Lai 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).

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

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

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.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Lai 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). Follow Dr. Lai's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lai is the primary dental care provider, offering 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). They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

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

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: review of medical and dental history, thorough check of teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and necessary X-rays. Dr. Lai will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

1108-3779 Sexsmith Rd
Richmond, BC, V6X 3Z9

Phone: (604) 207-2127

Dr. Rosanna Hoi Shan Lai 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. Lai 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.