Dr. Vicki Yi-Ling Kuo – Dentist | Uxbridge, ON

Dr. Vicki Yi-Ling Kuo is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Uxbridge Family Dentistry in Uxbridge, ON, Dr. Kuo is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kuo is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Kuo 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. Kuo also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Vicki Yi-Ling Kuo earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2006. With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Kuo offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Kuo is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Kuo's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Kuo provides consultations in English.

Dr. Vicki Yi-Ling Kuo provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• 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.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• 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. Kuo. 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. Vicki Yi-Ling Kuo adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Uxbridge Family Dentistry, 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. Kuo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Kuo understands that dealing with experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, helping patients comfortably get back to no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems and feeling their best.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Kuo about their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development is to attain the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• For those affected by concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history, Dr. Kuo provides solutions that lead to their jaw no longer clicking or popping painfully, and jaw movement feeling smoother. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kuo to see patients who were troubled by their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing successfully achieve their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.

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

Uxbridge Family Dentistry, where Dr. Kuo practices, is situated in a central location within the Uxbridge neighborhood of Uxbridge. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kuo promptly.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Kuo at Uxbridge Family Dentistry?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kuo and the team at Uxbridge Family Dentistry will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Kuo will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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 exposure. 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. Kuo 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).

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Kuo offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Kuo understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Uxbridge Family Dentistry offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Kuo during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

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

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP 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). Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kuo is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Kuo may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

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

Generally, we recommend every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Kuo 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). Follow Dr. Kuo's specific recommendation.

Uxbridge Family Dentistry
2A Elgin Park Dr
Uxbridge, ON, L9P 0B1

Phone: (905) 852-1818

Dr. Vicki Yi-Ling Kuo is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 72174

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=72174

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Kuo 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.