Dr. Steven Tu – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Steven Tu is a Dentist. Practicing at Bay Dental Centre in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Tu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tu 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. Tu 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. Tu 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 Bay Dental Centre.

Dr. Steven Tu earned a Dental Degree. With over 4 years of practice since 2021, Dr. Tu has gained valuable clinical experience. Dr. Tu is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Tu remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Tu's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; 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. Dr. Tu is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Vietnamese.

Dr. Steven Tu 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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.

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

• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.

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

At Bay 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. Tu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Tu often consults with patients whose their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli significantly limits their enjoyment of their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• If experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth has unfortunately put their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Tu works closely with patients towards attaining experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• A key objective when treating a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing at Dr. Tu's welcoming dental clinic is achieving experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• With Dr. Tu's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral) is focused on achieving their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Tu's practice, Bay Dental Centre, is situated in the Downtown Vancouver (Central Business District, Granville) neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Granville Island (nearby) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Tu will personalize your visit schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing dental conditions. For example, individuals managing active gum disease or those at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's crucial to follow Dr. Tu's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tu is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services for patients of all ages. 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 include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Tu also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex dental needs.

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered under specific circumstances. Most dental care costs are typically paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals and families (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It's crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Bay Dental Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Tu at Bay Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Tu will involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough visual examination of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Tu will discuss their findings, address any concerns you may have, and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning is often part of this first visit or will be scheduled shortly thereafter.

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

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

What is Bay Dental Centre's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Tu. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed entirely without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of between $50 and $100. Please contact the clinic for the most up-to-date fee information. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule effectively.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as for new patients, to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Tu will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) radiation exposure.

Bay Dental Centre
555 W Georgia St, Suite 100
Vancouver, BC, V6B 1Z6

Phone: (604) 569-0099

Dr. Steven Tu 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. Tu 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.