Dr. Sharlene Ai Tabata – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Sharlene Ai Tabata is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Tabata is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tabata 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. Tabata 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. Tabata 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. Sharlene Ai Tabata earned a Dental Degree. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. Tabata has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Tabata is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Tabata remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Tabata's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Tabata provides consultations in English.

Dr. Sharlene Ai Tabata 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Dental Pain Emergency

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Tabata. 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.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.

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

At Dr. Sharlene Ai Tabata'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. Tabata frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Tabata expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, means they can happily and comfortably get back to feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Tabata with concerns about a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment, making a positive and lasting return to their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Understanding the frustration their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider can cause, Dr. Tabata tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Tabata about concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches is to attain their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.

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

Dr. Tabata's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Kerrisdale South, Dunbar South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Riley Park (Nat Bailey Stadium) 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.

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 always 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. Tabata 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. Tabata for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Tabata will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Tabata's specific recommendation is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Tabata 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. Tabata 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.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tabata 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 if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer 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 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, through private dental insurance plans, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify your coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

230-2475 Bayswater Street
Vancouver, BC, V6K 4N3

Phone: (604) 731-7922

Dr. Sharlene Ai Tabata 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. Tabata 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.