Dr. Yang-san Chen – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Yang-san Chen is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chen 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. Chen 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. Chen 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. Yang-san Chen earned a Dental Degree. With over 11 years of practice since 2014, Dr. Chen's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Chen 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. Chen's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Chen's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; 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. Chen is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Mandarin.

Dr. Yang-san Chen 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

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• 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.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.

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

At Dr. Yang-san Chen'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. Chen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Chen when they first notice a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, enabling them to once again enjoy biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence without hesitation.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Chen about wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is to attain their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath, involves working systematically towards their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. Dr. Chen expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.
• At Dr. Chen's clinic, addressing their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.

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

Dr. Chen's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Riley Park-Little Mountain East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan or MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. The majority of dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to thoroughly review your private dental insurance plan's details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) <em>before</em> beginning treatment.

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

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

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Chen 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. Chen at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Chen 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. Chen 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chen will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions (e.g., patients managing active gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits, while those with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals). It is important to follow Dr. Chen's specific recommendations.

3431 Main St.
Vancouver, BC, V5V 3M9

Phone: (604) 708-8138

Dr. Yang-san Chen 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. Chen 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.