Dr. Sung Joon Kim

Dr. Sung Joon Kim 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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• 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.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• 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.
• 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.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.

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

At Port Moody Smile Dental, 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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities can cause, Dr. Kim tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, allowing for renewed participation in activities like sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim when they first notice a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, enabling them to once again enjoy their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends without hesitation.
• A key objective when treating wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation at Dr. Kim's welcoming dental clinic is achieving achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kim to see patients who were troubled by a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food successfully achieve their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children.

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

Port Moody Smile Dental, where Dr. Kim practices, is conveniently located in the Port Moody Centre, Heritage Mountain, Ioco neighborhood of Port Moody. The clinic enjoys a central position near Newport Village and is easily accessible via TransLink, utilizing the SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, or Bus services. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. The majority of dental care costs are covered out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors receiving specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before commencing treatment at Port Moody Smile Dental.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kim acts as the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. Their services encompass a broad range, including 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 potentially cosmetic procedures (such as whitening or bonding). They also provide valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists when more complex care is required.

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

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

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are also used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kim will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kim at Port Moody Smile Dental?

Your first appointment will involve getting to know you and your oral health. You'll complete a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Kim will then explain their findings and any recommended treatment options. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months as part of preventative care. However, Dr. Kim will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors (for cavities or gum disease), and existing conditions. Some patients may require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months for those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Kim's specific recommendations.

Port Moody Smile Dental
2746 St Johns St
Port Moody, BC, V3H 0H4

Phone: (604) 492-0807

Dr. Sung Joon Kim 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. Kim 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.