Dr. Tomoko Kusunose – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Tomoko Kusunose is a Dentist. Practicing at Dr Wayne Okamura inc in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Kusunose is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kusunose 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. Kusunose 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. Kusunose 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 Dr Wayne Okamura inc.

Dr. Tomoko Kusunose earned a Dental Degree. With over 8 years of practice since 2017, Dr. Kusunose has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Kusunose is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Kusunose's unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Kusunose's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Kusunose is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Japanese.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• 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.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

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): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.

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

At Dr Wayne Okamura inc, 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. Kusunose frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed is a primary concern, Dr. Kusunose focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Are you struggling with noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer? Dr. Kusunose partners with patients to target their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out a much more achievable reality.
• If a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces has unfortunately put simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Kusunose works closely with patients towards attaining their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation, involves working systematically towards transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. Dr. Kusunose expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.

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

Dr. Kusunose's practice, Dr Wayne Okamura inc, is situated in the Kerrisdale South, Dunbar South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Entertainment District 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.

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. Kusunose 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. Kusunose for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Kusunose will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may 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). Following Dr. Kusunose's specific recommendation is crucial.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Be aware of gums that bleed easily during oral hygiene, appear red or puffy, or feel sore, as these are common indicators of gingivitis. Persistent bad taste or bad breath can also be a sign. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may involve gums pulling away from teeth, noticeable tooth mobility, or discomfort when chewing. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Kusunose are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kusunose at Dr Wayne Okamura inc?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: 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. Kusunose will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

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

No referral is typically needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact Dr Wayne Okamura inc directly.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kusunose provides primary dental care, offering 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 (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

What payment options are available at Dr Wayne Okamura inc for dental services?

Payment is typically due at the time of service. Dr Wayne Okamura inc accepts cash, debit, Visa, and MasterCard. They also handle claims for most private dental insurance plans. Inquire about payment plans for larger treatments.

Dr Wayne Okamura inc
2732 W Broadway #202
Vancouver, BC, V6K 2G4

Phone: (604) 736-7374

Dr. Tomoko Kusunose 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. Kusunose 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.