Dr. Wayne Akira Okamura – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Wayne Akira Okamura is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Okamura is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Okamura 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. Okamura 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. Okamura 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. Wayne Akira Okamura earned a Dental Degree. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Okamura's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Okamura is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most effective and current treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Okamura's dedication to providing the highest standard of care.

Key aspects of Dr. Okamura's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Okamura provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• 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.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.

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

At Dr. Wayne Akira Okamura'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. Okamura frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Okamura to see patients who were troubled by noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer successfully achieve a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• If the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Okamura develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching, Dr. Okamura offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.
• When a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain, Dr. Okamura and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Okamura's practice is a dental office in Vancouver, situated in the Kerrisdale South, Dunbar South neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Cultural Hub 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.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Okamura 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 (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. Always follow Dr. Okamura's specific recommendations.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Okamura 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. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Okamura 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Okamura at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Okamura and the team will get to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Okamura will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often employer-sponsored), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some specialists may accept patients directly, a referral from your general dentist like Dr. Okamura is often recommended or required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Okamura identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

202-2732 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC, V6K 2G4

Phone: (604) 736-7374

Dr. Wayne Akira Okamura 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. Okamura 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.