Dr. Shu-Ming Peter Lam – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Shu-Ming Peter Lam is a Dentist. Practicing at Broadway Family Dental Centre in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Lam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lam 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. Lam 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. Lam 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 Broadway Family Dental Centre.

Dr. Shu-Ming Peter Lam earned a Dental Degree. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Lam has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Lam is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment reflects Dr. Lam's dedication to providing the highest quality of care.

Key aspects of Dr. Lam's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Lam is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Shu-Ming Peter Lam 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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

• 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 Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.

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

At Broadway Family Dental Centre, 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. Lam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Lam with concerns about a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, making a positive and lasting return to feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Dr. Lam expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, means they can happily and comfortably get back to getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• At Dr. Lam's clinic, addressing ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem means focusing on patient goals. Achieving no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities.
• Through Dr. Lam's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury often find they can readily achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, well-maintained mouth.

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

Broadway Family Dental Centre, where Dr. Lam practices, is situated in the Mount Pleasant East 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). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Lam 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 like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Lam also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lam at Broadway Family Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Lam 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. Lam 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.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Lam will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Lam 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 might need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Lam's specific recommendation.

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 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 is 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 Broadway Family Dental Centre.

Broadway Family Dental Centre
383 Broadway E
Vancouver, BC, V5T 1W6

Phone: (604) 283-2216

Dr. Shu-Ming Peter Lam 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. Lam 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.