Dr. Yi Bo Hou – Dentist | Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Dr. Yi Bo Hou is a Dentist. Practicing at N/A in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Dr. Hou is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hou 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. Hou 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. Hou 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 N/A.

Dr. Yi Bo Hou earned a Dental Degree from Mcgill University, graduating in 2021. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Hou's clinical experience has provided a solid foundation for their comprehensive approach to dental care. Dr. Hou 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.

Key aspects of Dr. Hou's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; 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. Dr. Hou provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Hou. 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): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• 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.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hou. 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. Yi Bo Hou adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At N/A, 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. Hou frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Hou expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, means they can happily and comfortably get back to feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
• If their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli has unfortunately put enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Hou works closely with patients towards attaining feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), involves working systematically towards their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. Dr. Hou expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty.
• Patients experiencing a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Hou's practice, a key objective is having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.

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

Dr. Hou's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Downtown, Central neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near Major Arterial Road and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hou at N/A?

Your first visit with Dr. Hou 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. Hou 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.

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. Hou 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).

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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Hou is the primary dental care provider, offering 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 (if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

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

For most patients, every 6 months is generally recommended for preventative care. Dr. Hou will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Hou's specific recommendation.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact N/A directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Hou.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at N/A with Dr. Hou?

We welcome new patients to N/A! To become a new patient with Dr. Hou, please call our office at (705) 759-3339 or visit our website at if online booking is available. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

N/A
212 Queen St E #403
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 5X8

Phone: (705) 759-3339

Dr. Yi Bo Hou 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: 501584

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501584

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