Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to some common questions which we hope you will find helpful. However, if you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact us and we will be happy to get you the information you need.
Appointments
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we are happy to accept new patients and reward your referrals.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
We will need your dental insurance plan information if you have one, your Care Card or status information if applicable for billing. We will also need you to come in 10 minutes prior to your appointment time to fill out a personal and medical information form.
Do you bill directly to insurance?
Yes, we provide this service but it is the patient’s responsibility to know what their insurance does and does not cover. For example, make sure you are aware what percentage you are covered for Basic, Major and Orthodontics, also if there is an annual deductible or financial limit associated with your plan.
How do you price your fees?
We directly follow the College of Dental Surgeons Fee guide of British Columbia which is updated annually. We do not charge above this guide for any fees. Therefore if your plan has basic coverage of 100% you will be covered 100% in our office.
We are happy to give you an estimate prior to dental treatment for any work that needs to be done.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes, we require 48 hours’ notice to cancel an appointment without a fee being charged.
Dental Health
At what age should my child start seeing a dentist?
We recommend your child’s first visit to be between the ages of 2 and 3 when all their primary teeth have erupted.
How long does a cleaning take?
If it is your first appointment, we will need to go over your medical history, take radiographs, and chart the status of your mouth before the dental hygienist begins to clean your teeth. So depending on the date of your last cleaning, your homecare, and how quickly you form deposits on your teeth, we may require more than one appointment of one hour to complete your treatment.
Afterwards, the hygienist will advise the best recall cycle for your needs, every 6 months, 4 months or 3 months.
I’m not sure if I have a cavity, can you tell me over the phone what’s wrong?
We cannot diagnose over the phone even if you give us detailed symptoms. We would need to look in your mouth and most likely take a radiograph (x-ray). It is then that we can discuss what is needed and an estimate can be given if required.
What types of procedures do you do? Would I need to be referred out for any types of treatment?
In this office we offer patients a full range of services. Dr. Yoshida has specialized training in endodontics (root canals), crowns and all surgical procedures including gum surgeries, implants and wisdom teeth. Very rarely will we need to refer out any treatment with the exception of orthodontics.
How much is an implant?
Each specific case is different, whether it is a single or multiple units, implant retained dentures and what type of additional procedures will be needed, like bone grafting and a CT scan. For this reason we do not charge to give a consultation free of charge including x-ray.
Are implants covered on my insurance?
Generally the implant surgical procedure is not covered by dental insurance but most times the crown that goes on top of the implant will be covered to some degree. Each plan is unique.
The exception to this rule would be for employers that offer a general medical wellness fund that can be applied as desired by the employee.
How quickly can an implant be done?
After an implant is placed, we wait 4 months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone before proceeding to the crown stage. At this time an impression is taken and the crown is placed two weeks later.
General Questions
Where are you located?
We are located on the second floor of the East Van Medical Building on East 10th Ave. (Location Map)
Are you close to transit?
Yes we are located across the street from the south exit of the Broadway Skytrain station and one block east of B-Line bus stop at Commercial and Broadway. View our location map.
Where can I park?
We have pay parking in our East parking lot for the building at the rate of $2 per hour. You may also find free street parking one block to the East of Victoria Drive when available.
I want to change dentists, do I need to notify my previous dentist or get any x-rays from them before I book an appointment with you?
It’s not necessary to do either. We can see you and evaluate your mouth without consulting with your previous dentist. We will likely, however, need to take new x-rays regardless as they become outdated quickly and often do not reflect the current condition of your mouth.
How often do you take x-rays? Are they dangerous for me?
In this office we take regular recall x-rays approximately every 18 months and when needed to diagnose toothaches or specific concerns. We have state of the art digital radiography which emits 90% less radiation than conventional x-rays. In addition to low dose x-rays we use the lead apron for protection, therefore the effects at this frequency are negligible.