Dr. Yuan-Chi Ko

Dr. Yuan-Chi Ko provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• 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. Ko. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• 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.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.

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

At Dr. Yuan-Chi Ko'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. Ko frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Ko often consults with patients whose their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to significantly limits their enjoyment of confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Effectively addressing their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth with Dr. Ko's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits and social interactions.
• A key objective when treating their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed at Dr. Ko's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding, involves working systematically towards experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth. Dr. Ko expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings.

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

Dr. Ko's practice, a dental office in Prince Rupert, is situated in a central location within Prince Rupert's Prince Rupert neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Ko will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients might need 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. It's crucial to follow Dr. Ko's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

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

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

In British Columbia, most routine and major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics are typically NOT covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are usually 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 essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Ko and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You can expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals you have, and undergo a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to obtain a complete picture of your oral health. Based on this assessment, Dr. Ko will explain their findings and any recommended treatments. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to further minimize exposure. 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. Ko 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Ko typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Ko 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 such as whitening or bonding. General Dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

43 Grenville Crt
Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 1R3

Phone: (778) 325-8886

Dr. Yuan-Chi Ko 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. Ko 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.