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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions – Surrey Place Dental Group

At Surrey Place Dental Group, we’re committed to providing patients with clarity and confidence when it comes to their oral health. Below are answers to some of the most common questions from new and existing patients. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to call us — we’re happy to help.

What are the early signs of dental problems?

Early signs of dental issues can include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, discomfort while chewing, or tooth discoloration. Other indicators may be dry mouth, jaw pain, or sores that don’t heal. Catching these signs early can help prevent more serious oral health problems and reduce the need for extensive treatment later.

What are three things to expect at a new Surrey Place Dental Group patient exam?

Your visit will begin with a friendly conversation where we’ll learn about your dental history, discuss any current oral health concerns, and understand your goals for your smile. Next, your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include an oral cancer screening, necessary x-rays, and intraoral photos. Finally, we’ll explain our findings, walk you through your treatment options, and help create a customized plan that aligns with your needs and goals.

What payment options do you offer?

For your convenience, we accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash. We also submit insurance benefit claims on your behalf whenever possible to help simplify the process and reduce out-of-pocket stress.

What does teeth whitening involve at Surrey Place Dental Group?

Our teeth whitening treatments are designed to safely and effectively brighten your smile. We offer custom take-home kits for patients to whiten their teeth gradually. During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the best course based on your goals and oral health.

How often do I need dental X-rays, and are they safe?

Dental x-rays are an essential diagnostic tool and are generally recommended once a year, though some patients may require them more frequently depending on their oral health status. At Surrey Place Dental Group, we use digital X-rays, which emit significantly lower radiation than traditional methods and are considered extremely safe.

What can I expect during a gum graft appointment, and how long is the healing time?

A gum graft procedure often treats gum recession and protects exposed tooth roots. During the appointment, tissue is typically taken from the roof of your mouth or a donor source and placed where needed. The area is then sutured and allowed to heal. Recovery generally takes 1–2 weeks, and patients can expect mild discomfort and dietary restrictions during that time.

Are root canals painful?

Despite their reputation, root canals are not painful when performed with modern techniques and anesthesia. The procedure is designed to relieve pain caused by infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp. Most patients report feeling significantly better after treatment and experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing discomfort, they may pose risks such as crowding, infection, or impaction. Preventive removal is often recommended to avoid complications later on. Our team will evaluate your situation with x-rays and clinical exams to determine whether removal is right for you.

Do you see children at your practice?

Yes, we’re happy to treat patients of all ages, including children. We strive to make dental visits fun and stress-free for kids, building positive habits early on. Our team uses age-appropriate education and a gentle approach to ensure a comfortable experience for young patients.

Can you help with dental anxiety?

Absolutely. We understand that many people feel nervous about dental visits. Our friendly team takes the time to listen to your concerns, explain procedures clearly, and create a calming atmosphere. We also offer pre-sedation dentistry to help patients feel more relaxed during their appointments. 

Dr. Colin Loewen, DDS near me

Dr. Colin Loewen, DDS

Colin Loewen, DDS, graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and has been practicing in the Lower Mainland area ever since. He offers a comprehensive range of general dentistry services, including restorative and cosmetic treatments, as well as surgical procedures like implants and bone grafting. Dr. Loewen takes pride in his ability to help patients feel comfortable and well-informed about their care. He continually seeks to enhance his expertise by staying updated on the latest techniques and research in dentistry. This commitment has allowed him to expand his practice to include specialized services such as Invisalign and Botox therapy for aesthetics and TMJ disorders. Additionally, Dr. Loewen serves as a Board Member for both the Fraser Valley Dental Society and the British Columbia Dental Association.
Dr. Greg Chang, DMD near me

Dr. Greg Chang, DMD
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Greg Chang, DMD, graduated from UBC Dental School. He has practiced mostly in Surrey and enjoys family dentistry. He is especially keen on sports dentistry, has been the BC Lions Football Club team dentist for over 20 years, and is a member of the Academy for Sports Dentistry. He also participates in UBC Dentistry’s Community Outreach programs that teach young children preventative oral health care and wellness. He focuses on the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle for physical and emotional health in children.
Dr. Joy Maru, DDS near me

Dr. Joy Maru, DDS

Joy Maru, DDS, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta and his dental degree at Northwestern University in Chicago. He then moved to Vancouver and is currently practicing in Surrey. Dr. Maru also teaches at the University of British Columbia and is a board member of the BC Dental Association. He has over 20 years of experience with dental implants.
Dr. Praveen Islur, DDS near me

Dr. Praveen Islur, DDS

Praveen Islur, DDS, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario and his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry. He then followed a General Practice Residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany, NY. He has been a part of our team for over 17 years. Dr. Islur is a member of The Renaissance Study Club, Northwest Dental Club, California Center for Advanced Dental Studies, Nobel Biocare Esthetic Alliance Program, and Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Treatment and Education in Dentistry. He is a member of the BC Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association and has been an Invisalign Certified Provider since 2007.
Dr. Lauren Chang, DDM near me

Dr. Lauren Chang, DDM

Lauren Chang, DDM, received her BSc at Queen’s University and moved to Sydney, Australia, where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Sydney. Now, back in Vancouver, she’s excited to be a part of Surrey Place Dental Group.
Dr. Muhammad Ali, DDS near me

Dr. Muhammad Ali, DDS

Muhammad Ali, DDS, obtained his Bachelor of Health Sciences from McMaster University in Hamilton and completed his dental education at the University of Toronto. He then followed a general residency at the Jacobi Medical Center in New York City, where he treated medically complex and underserved patients. He relocated to Vancouver and has been providing our community with the highest quality, well-informed, and comfortable dental treatments.
Dr. Muhammad Ali, DDS near me Dr. Muhammad Ali, DDS near me

Drs. Bhasker Thakore and Nimisha Mehta

Husband and wife duo, Drs. Bhasker Thakore and Nimisha Mehta, have now retired from service. Dr. Thakore, a UBC Dentistry graduate and a former faculty member, and Dr. Mehta, a University of Manitoba graduate, have contributed much to the practice since 1985.
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