Dr. Tai-Kyu Kang – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Tai-Kyu Kang is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Kang is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kang 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. Kang 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. Kang 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. Tai-Kyu Kang earned a Dental Degree. With over 22 years of practice since 2003, Dr. Kang has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Kang is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Kang's dedication to their profession and their patients' well-being.

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

Dr. Tai-Kyu Kang provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.

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

At Dr. Tai-Kyu Kang'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. Kang frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Kang about a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long is to attain experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• When feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health, Dr. Kang and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances is preventing you from fully enjoying their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication or causing discomfort, Dr. Kang offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury at Dr. Kang's practice is consistently achieving their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.

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

Dr. Kang's practice is a dental office conveniently located in the Kerrisdale South, Dunbar South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is situated near Shopping & Dining Districts and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

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

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

Your first visit with Dr. Kang 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. Kang 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.

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 for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered under specific circumstances. Most dental care costs are usually paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may also cover dental care for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting 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 to further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Kang 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kang is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, 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 may offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. General dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex needs arise.

101 - 2732 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC, V6K 2G4

Phone: (604) 736-7375

Dr. Tai-Kyu Kang 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. Kang 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.