I am torn between writing a glowing review and suing Vitacare for malpractice…read more Last December, I broke one of my molars. Stress, moving, and other factors likely contributed to the fracture, but that is a story for another time. I searched for "dentist near me" because my regular dentist, the perpetually unavailable and in-demand Dr. Gee in Yaletown, was booked solid. I found Vitacare, with 5-star reviews on Yelp and Google; what could possibly go wrong? I booked the earliest available appointment and went in. A dentist named Dr. Oh saw me. After a brief consultation and some X-rays, he recommended a root canal and crown not only for the fractured tooth, but also for the neighboring one. Both procedures are expensive--around $4,000 per tooth in 2026--and my Canada Life dental coverage caps annual benefits at $2,100. In other words, roughly $8,000 of work was unlikely to be fully covered. The whole situation reminded me of a time I took my brand-new Audi to a brake shop and was told I needed not only new pads, but also rotors--conveniently "refurbished and on discount." Unsure whether a root canal was truly necessary, I tried to book an appointment with Dr. Gee, but of course he was unavailable. After doing some research (including consulting AI), it was still unclear whether a root canal was absolutely indicated. However, the exposed nerve and persistent pain were not relenting. Canada Life approved coverage for only one root canal--about $2,000--so I decided to bite the bullet and proceed with that single root canal. Sometimes imagining the worst-case scenario makes reality feel less intimidating. As I sat in the chair while the nurse prepped for the procedure, I jokingly asked whether she and Dr. Oh had done this before. She said yes, and I thought to myself, "Good, maybe I won't die today." After hours of drilling and grinding, I was getting exhausted. The appointment was booked for two hours, but it felt much longer. Eventually, the overhead monitor that had been playing Netflix timed out, and the screensaver appeared: 3:12 p.m. The procedure had been going on for over three hours. At that point, Dr. Oh sighed and said, "I'm going to refer you to a specialist. I can't get this done. I can't reach the full depth of the tooth to remove what needs to be extracted." He then placed a temporary filling. When the nurse removed the rubber dam and other equipment, I asked how much this session would cost. Dr. Oh said around $500 and mentioned that the specialist he was referring me to was "very good, but also his rate is much higher." My immediate thought was, "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" To make matters worse, the nurse added, "We're only GPs" (general practitioners). It was a lot of crucial information delivered at a very poor time. The plan was for the temporary filling to last a few weeks to a few months until I could see the specialist. I explained to Dr. Oh that Canada Life was unlikely to approve more work this year beyond the $2,100 already used, especially since this visit alone cost about $500. I asked if he could place a permanent filling instead, as I probably wouldn't be able to afford a specialist this calendar year. He replied that they did not have enough time that day. I did not argue, because I honestly felt both Dr. Oh and the nurse, Natalie, had worked extremely hard. During the procedure, Dr. Oh often hesitated over which instruments or tools to use, but he drilled tirelessly at the tooth even when the anesthetics began to wear off. His hands were very steady, and he did not seem careless or incompetent. My impression was that he might be an ultra-perfectionist who refuses to stop at 90%. Based on the post-op X-rays, I could not see any remaining decay, though I am not an expert. I reiterated to Dr. Oh that it was unlikely I would see the specialist this year due to insurance limits and asked how much a permanent filling would cost. He said $500. I decided to book another appointment to have the temporary filling drilled out and replaced with a permanent one--for now. Hindsight is 20/20. If Vitacare was not confident about performing the root canal, they should have referred me immediately to a specialist, instead of putting me through a difficult, incomplete procedure that consumed nearly half of my Canada Life annual dental maximum. Alternatively, I should not have been charged for a procedure that Vitacare "failed" to complete. Initially, I was genuinely impressed by the effort and care shown by Dr. Oh and Nurse Natalie, but this experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth. Now I have to see a specialist and possibly redo the root canal all over again.

I went for regular check-up and cleaning. I am happy with the treatment. The atmosphere is…read morefriendly and relaxing.

Disappointed with the service I have received due to poor communication and even the manager wasn't…read morehelpful.

The Best! Absolutely the best! Dr. Varani and his staff really created an atmosphere that takes…read moreaway all the anxiety someone could have in a dental office. Peak Dental Arts puts the Artisan touch on dentistry. My teeth feel so good when I leave - I feel so good when I leave, and it doesn't matter if I get a root canal, crown, cleaning, polish or check-up, the service is always top-notch and the staff are always amazing!

To really capture my experience with Dr. Charmaine Fong at Aarm Dental I need to provide a little…read morehistory. I'm from Ireland. We all know the reputation those from the British Isles have for dental hygiene; I guess it's because, at least in my experience, the dentists aren't very good. During one visit my dentist dropped out for lunch right in the middle of pulling 2 teeth, and I poured blood; another dentist pulled the wrong tooth for my sister. My twin brother also needed a filling and didn't receive enough anaesthetic and felt the drill boring into his tooth. The point is, I've been traumatized, and I think justifiably so ! Fast forward eighteen years. Yes, eighteen. I'm not proud of that, but what with bad experiences, and the fact that I travelled for years, I haven't been to a dentist in all that time. I finally booked an appointment after seeing favourable reviews for Aarm dental on Hornby as I felt pain in my teeth. I realised Aarm dental was different from that very first call. Jenna, the receptionist, truly listed to me - and even suggested I don't book my first visit on my birthday (which I was going to do) ! When I arrived for my appointment, Dr. Charmaine Fong listened to my concerns regarding dentists, then set about easing them. We spent about an hour or so going over dental history, taking X-rays, pointing out problem areas, etc. She made me feel comfortable, and that she really cared about me as a person and not just a customer. I told her I had a thing about pain, and that I was very nervous. She assured me that I was in good hands. It turned out the "pain" I was feeling was that I needed 6 fillings. We decided that 6 at once would be too much so we booked a second appointment, and started on the first 3. First she froze my gums with a pink mixture that tasted of bubblegum. After waiting about 10 minutes for it to take effect, she gave me a local anaesthetic with a needle. I was really worried about that ! She apologised, then manoeuvred her arm in such a way so I wouldn't see the needle. I honestly didn't feel a thing ! When I did feel some pain (for a split second) in the roof of my mouth, she warned me first and apologized again, after. Again, after a pause to let the drugs get to work, she got the fillings taken care of. After finishing we scheduled for my next visit. Since that first time, I've since been perhaps 4 other times, to complete work, or a cleaning, or a check up. I am so happy I took the plunge ! I've felt guilty about not going for so long, and it was something that was hanging over me. I now have no fear at all about going to the dentist. Dr. Charmaine Fong is an exceptional dentist, and really stressed the importance of maintaining a good dental routine every day with the right tools, and frequent visits to the dentist. I have since recommended her to my friends. My twin brother was even more traumatized than I was about dentists, but left the clinic smiling. I can't believe what I'm about to say - but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Thank you Dr. Fong !

Great place to come for your bi-annual check up and clean. Have been coming here for years and…read moreservice has always been fantastic and welcoming.

Pros: Office is swanky with what looks like state of the art equipment. Lots of natural light,…read morestaff is professional and the place looks fantastic. The endodentist I saw (Dr. Winestock, not sure which one) was efficient. Cons: No direct billing. I get it, they're specialists but it's almost 2020. Is it convenient for anyone to be out 5K and await reimbursement? Their fees are also 40% higher than what my extended health deems an appropriate fee in their guide. Again, I get it, swanky offices don't pay for themselves but I'm naught but a poor peasant. Nobody discloses this as you're paying. Finally, my personal experience sucked. After a root canal, I was not given a prescription for anti-inflammation or pain relief or antibiotics. I spent that night in tears. A prescription was hastily faxed the next morning and mistakes happen but this one cost me a day of work. Not coming back. There are other endodentists out there, thanks.

No one wants to get referred to an endodontic specialist - it basically means something has gone…read morewrong and you're going to have to spend money. However, my treatment at Evergreen Endo went so well I have no complaints. I was referred for an infected tooth as a result of a botched root canal 10+ years ago. I saw Dr. Yael Winestock (his father Earl also works there) and it was the most painless dental experience of my life. Dr. Winestock was meticulous during the freezing process and I barely felt it. The dental assistant was professional and they both ensured I was comfortable the whole way. The office also has really state of the art equipment (they certainly don't have it at my regular dentist!) and a nice view as well. The treatment was in excess of the fee guides for my insurance, but not by too much (I had to pay about 15%). In the end I would say it was worth it for the quality treatment I received.

I have been a patient of Dr. Trylowsky for over 20 years. Himself and his staff have been caring…read morepart of my life.. I always look forward to my appointments. Over the past few months Dr. Trylowsky has veneered 6 of my front teeth! His work is absolutely amazing. He transformed my smile and has made me very happy with doing something so special and nice for yourself.. If you are looking for some self improvement, dental advice and an honest Dentist do have your work done.. Dr. Trylowsky is your man... Thank you Dr. Trylowsky and staff for being a part of my life. Sincerely Cameron Withers

Best art gallery/ dentist in the city! If you thought…read moredentists were just places you hated to go to, this place will change your life. He is also an art collector who barters his services for art bc what starving artists have money for dental work?? Coolest dentist in the city.

This is my go to place for dental work and I really recommend it! The location is very convenient…read morebecause it is right next to the broadway city hall station and close to many other bus stops. It is located inside the city square mall. The dentist and all the other staff are very friendly and make you feel very comfortable. I go there for routine cleaning, they always make sure to follow up with you if its been more than 3 or 4 months since your last clean up. They are not pushy, just gentle reminders which I appreciate. The past weekend I had a massive toothache so I contacted them on a Saturday and they got back to the same day and gave me an appointment for that Monday. When I went in for the check up, they said I needed an emergency root canal and got me in the very next day at another clinic. The MOA called around 4-5 dental centres trying to get me in, really appreciated her efforts. Best part, they direct bill to your insurance company which saves you a lot of the time! Would definitely recommend them for your dental work.

This used to be the best dental office until the owner passed away. Dr. Muise is rude, impatient…read moreand not professional. The office manager is rude and obnoxious and the staff at the front desk have no idea what they are doing. I do not recommend this place.

I recently became a patient at this clinic. I'm thoroughly impressed by it. Their service is…read morewonderful. The staff are friendly and VERY knowledgeable. The dentist and hygienist I've seen are very thorough in their examinations and providing necessary information to the patients. Great experience so far!

I have been coming here since they opened and it's always been a great experience. The front desk…read morehas always been very helpful with my insurance and appointments and the dentists have answered any questions I've had. I also saw Tate for my cleaning and she did a great job, no pain and my teeth feel so clean!

Great clinic! I was referred by an old friend and so far, the most organized clinic I've been to…read more Very clean and professional environment and super friendly! I have brought both kids in during my appointments with my fiance where we had to take turns with them and no problems! They're also super accommodating when I had a balance due to problem with my extended health benefits. Overall, great service!

I've been coming to Fraserview Dentist the last few years. Everything from the dentists, hygienist…read moreto the front desk, everyone is caring, kind, and friendly.