Dr. Yeji Chang – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Yeji Chang is a Dentist. Practicing at Mercato Dental in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chang is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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. Chang 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 Mercato Dental.

Dr. Yeji Chang earned a Dental Degree. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Chang has gained valuable clinical experience. Dr. Chang is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chang remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Chang's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Chang is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Korean.

Dr. Yeji Chang 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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• 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.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

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

At Mercato Dental, 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. Chang frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Chang to see patients who were troubled by feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time successfully achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.
• If a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially has unfortunately put maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chang works closely with patients towards attaining their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Dr. Chang often consults with patients whose experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease with Dr. Chang's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort once more.

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

Mercato Dental, where Dr. Chang practices, is situated in the Grandview-Woodland (Commercial Drive area) neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Riley Park (Nat Bailey Stadium) 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.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

To effectively prevent cavities, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It's also crucial to eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks, especially between meals. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr. Chang are essential for early detection and prevention. Dr. Chang may also recommend dental sealants or professional fluoride treatments for added protection, particularly for children.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Mercato Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Chang.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chang 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). Dr. Chang also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers 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 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. Chang 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. Chang for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, every 6 months for most patients is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Chang 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. Chang's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chang at Mercato Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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.

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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Mercato Dental
1617 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC, V5L 3Y3

Phone: (604) 254-5900

Dr. Yeji Chang 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. Chang 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.