Dr. Yuchen Gao – Dentist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Yuchen Gao is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Gao is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gao is licensed by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in AB. Dr. Gao 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. Gao also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Yuchen Gao earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Gao brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Gao offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Gao is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Gao remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Gao's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Gao 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. Gao provides consultations in English.

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

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Professional-grade bleaching solutions and techniques to achieve a noticeably whiter, more vibrant, and radiant smile under dental supervision.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gao. 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. Yuchen Gao adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

At Dr. Yuchen Gao'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. Gao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Gao with concerns about experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, making a positive and lasting return to their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food is a common journey for patients under Dr. Gao's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, so that daily routines and pleasures like speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings become straightforward again.
• Dr. Gao expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, means they can happily and comfortably get back to enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile.
• At Dr. Gao's clinic, addressing wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances means focusing on patient goals. Achieving achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.

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

Dr. Gao's practice is a dental office in Edmonton, located in the SE: Mill Woods South (Sakaw, Menisa) neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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. Gao.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Gao 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. For example, some patients 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. Following Dr. Gao's specific recommendation is crucial for optimal oral health.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Gao 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. Gao at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Gao and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Based on this, Dr. Gao will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gao is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include 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, if offered). Dr. Gao also educates on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Gao offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Gao understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, the clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Gao during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, provincial health plans like AHCIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some specific, 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, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

5315 23 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB, T6L 7G4

Dr. Yuchen Gao is a licensed Dentist in AB, regulated by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

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