Dr. Vincent W. Tai – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Vincent W. Tai is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Tai is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Tai 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. Tai 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. Tai 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. Vincent W. Tai earned a Dental Degree. With over 40 years of practice since 1985, Dr. Tai's extensive clinical experience has provided a deep understanding of diverse oral health needs. Dr. Tai is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Tai's unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Tai's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Tai is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Vincent W. Tai 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• 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. Tai. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.

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

At Dr. Vincent W. Tai'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. Tai frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Tai when they first notice a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration, enabling them to once again enjoy their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain without hesitation.
• When needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain, Dr. Tai and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly has unfortunately put no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Tai works closely with patients towards attaining their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals, Dr. Tai offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.

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

Dr. Tai's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Victoria-Fraserview, Killarney West neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near PNE (East Hastings) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). 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 routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics for the general public. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to thoroughly review your private dental insurance plan details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment.

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

No, a referral is generally not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist like Dr. Tai for check-ups, cleanings, or consultations. Appointments can typically be booked directly with the clinic.

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

For most individuals, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Tai will personalize your visit schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors (such as cavities or gum disease), and any pre-existing conditions. Some patients may require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months for those managing gum disease or at high risk for cavities), while others may have longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Tai's specific recommendations.

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

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

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Tai offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Tai focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Tai is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. Services typically 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 potentially some cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Your initial visit will include a comprehensive dental examination. This involves reviewing 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. Tai will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning may also be performed or scheduled during this or a subsequent visit.

6977 Victoria Dr
Vancouver, BC, V5P 3Y7

Phone: (604) 324-3988

Dr. Vincent W. Tai 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. Tai 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.