Dr. Selena Sok Soo Chow – Dentist | Richmond, BC

Dr. Selena Sok Soo Chow is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Richmond, 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 the clinic.

Dr. Selena Sok Soo Chow earned a Dental Degree. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, 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 Dr. Chow remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and treatment techniques, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Chow's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; 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. Dr. Chow is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Selena Sok Soo Chow 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

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further 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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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.

• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• 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.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• 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.

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. Selena Sok Soo Chow adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Selena Sok Soo Chow'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. Chow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Chow with concerns about their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral, making a positive and lasting return to feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos not just possible, but highly feasible.
• With Dr. Chow's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long is focused on achieving their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped without dental concerns.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Chow when they first notice an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, enabling them to once again enjoy their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain without hesitation.
• When their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Chow helps patients strive for their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment. This makes participating in activities such as being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures a pleasant and possible experience again.

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, a dental office in Richmond, is situated in the Steveston neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Richmond Hospital and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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. Chow.

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 including 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). Dr. Chow also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

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 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). Always verify your eligibility for public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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, 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).

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Chow will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Chow's specific recommendation.

3951 Steveston Highway
Richmond, BC, V7E 2J9

Phone: (604) 277-1131

Dr. Selena Sok Soo 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.