Why Choose Our Calgary Dentist?
Because we’ve been redefining excellence in dentistry for over 29 years.
YOUR DENTAL DREAM TEAM
Casual yet professional. Reassuring and experienced. Gentle and understanding. Great dental care starts with a great Calgary dentist team and we think you’ll love our amazing and dedicated team of dental professionals. Because to us, our people are everything.
Our general Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, has over 29 years of experience and is the owner of Dr. Dirk Thompson Dentistry.
BESPOKE SERVICES
It’s dentistry the way you want it. Seamless, detail oriented, judgment and pressure free, with some fun and comfy perks like soothing eye masks, cozy blankets, massage dental chairs, an awesome kids’ toy box, a great selection of snacks and beverages and of course, some complimentary extras to take home after your visit with our Calgary dentist.
We’ve thought of every aspect of your visit, from start to finish.
SOOTHING SPACES
Our beautiful NW Calgary dentist office in Kensington is equipped with cutting edge dental technology and was designed with every aspect of your comfort and convenience in mind. We also direct bill most dental insurance plans and make every effort to accommodate your same-day dental emergency.
Just a few of the ways we always put our patients first.
Modern Dentistry At Our Calgary Dentist Office
At our Calgary dental office, modern dentistry encompasses everything you expect from your Calgary dentist, from modern technology to the latest in reputable and reliable dental materials that ensure both beautiful and functional results.
But that’s not all.
To Dr. Dirk Thompson and our Calgary dentist team, modern dentistry is about your experience at our office from start to finish. It’s feeling comfortable the moment you walk into our Calgary dentist office. It’s being warmly greeted at every dental visit. It’s having your time and your budget respected. It’s being given the information you need to make informed decisions about your dental care in a no-pressure, no-judgment environment. It’s seeing that we’ve gone the extra mile for you in every way we can. It’s knowing that you’re in great hands because we’re committed to giving you great results.
THIS IS WE ARE
MODERN DENTISTRY.
WE LOVE NEW PATIENTS
Looking for a new dentist in Calgary? Our Calgary dentist warmly welcomes both new and current patients.
DENTAL EMERGENCIES
Do you have a dental emergency? Our emergency Calgary dentist is here for you when you need us.
ONE STOP DENTISTRY
Our Calgary dentist offers comprehensive dental services with a gentle touch to patients of all ages.
YOU'RE IN GREAT HANDS WITH OUR CALGARY DENTIST.
29 YEARS' EXPERIENCE
Discover our Calgary dentist's, Dr. Dirk Thompson, patient first approach at our NW Calgary dental clinic conveniently located in the heart of Kensington (Sunnyside and Hillhurst).
For over 28 years, Dr. Dirk Thompson, our Calgary dentist, has focused on providing patient-centered dental care with a personal touch and a gentle approach at his modern northwest Calgary dental clinic in beautiful Kensington. At the heart of his practice is a foundation of honesty, integrity and transparency. Combining his 28 years’ of experience, together with a sense of humour and a casual and relatable approach, our Calgary dentist strives to earn his patients’ trust and keep them smiling at every visit.
JUDGMENT FREE DENTISTRY. It's Just Our Way.
JUDGMENT FREE DENTISTRY.
It's Just Our Way.
If you haven’t had a dental examination in a while or, if you’ve been putting off your dental treatment, our Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, and our entire dental team recognize that you may feel hesitant to take that first step and make an appointment to see us.
At Advance Your Health Dental, you can expect our Calgary dentist team to always provide judgment free dental care in a relaxed, no pressure and positive atmosphere. Our compassionate and understanding Calgary dentist team always encourages open and honest conversations about your dental health and is committed to doing everything possible to ensure you’re comfortable and confident that you’re in great hands at each and every dental visit.
Let’s start your journey to better dental health, together. Call us today. We’re here for you when you need us.
soothing your senses
soothing your senses
At our Calgary dentist office, we’ve thought of every detail to soothe your senses and make your dental visit with us serene, comfortable and relaxing. At your next dental visit at our Calgary dental office, enjoy these calming and senses soothing amenities:
delicately scented diffusers
refreshing eye masks
comfy neck pillows
warm and cozy blankets
stress balls
Netflix and Disney+
massaging dental chairs
We’re your all-inclusive dental destination. Find out more below about our general and family dentistry services, cosmetic dentistry services, sedation dentistry services, dental hygiene, emergency dental services and dental implant services. Call our dentist in Calgary today.
Porcelain Veneers
Migraine Treatment
Our Other Dental Services
Comfortable. Inviting. Modern.
Peek inside our beautiful, newly renovated NW Calgary dental clinic in Kensington (Sunnyside / Hillhurst).
Thoughtful Dentistry
We're here to make you smile.
Your experience at our dental practice is important to our Calgary dentist and to our entire dental team. As your partners in your dental health, we’ve designed our practice in the beautiful community of Kensington / Hillhurst / Sunnyside around your needs as a valued patient, recognizing that open communication, efficiency and convenience together with a friendly and approachable dental team are all vital components of a positive dental experience.
We're passionate about dentistry and our patients.
Our vision is to provide a dental experience that will inspire trust and confidence at every visit. That’s why our Calgary dentist, together with our dedicated team of dental hygienists and dental assistants, strive to always provide personalized, gentle and comprehensive general, cosmetic, sedation, emergency and restorative dentistry, all in a friendly, compassionate and welcoming environment.
We look beyond the dentistry.
We know that a great dental experience takes more than just great dentistry. That’s why we always go that extra mile to make your dental visit welcoming, comfortable and convenient by providing flexible appointment times, direct dental insurance billing and lots of fun and comfy extras such as massage dental chairs, soothing eye masks, cozy blankets, an awesome toy box for your kids, as well as a refreshing beverage and snack centre.
Our Calgary Dentist Provides Complete Dental Care For You and Your Family.
We Always Welcome New Patients.
When you choose Dr. Dirk Thompson at Dr. Dirk Thompson Dentistry for your and family’s dental care, you can be assured that our Calgary dentist and dental team always strive to ensure that your treatment is comfortable, efficient and exceeds all of your expectations.
We also realize that dentistry is an investment in your health so we always strive to be mindful of your budget, while also direct billing your dental insurer, where possible.
Our goal is to meet all of your preventative, cosmetic, restorative, sedation and emergency dental needs at our NW Calgary dentist office so that you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile in one convenient Calgary dental office location in the heart of beautiful Kensington (Sunnyside / Hillhurst).
If you have any questions about our dental services in Calgary, including sedation dentistry, emergency dental care, root canals, dental crowns, implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental cleanings, teeth whitening and teeth and wisdom teeth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you when you need us.
Let's Make Your
Smile Last a Lifetime!
You have questions, we have answers.
You Have Questions. We Have Answers.
Ask Our Calgary Dentist
How do I find the best dentist in Calgary for myself and my family?
We understand that choosing a dentist in Calgary is a very personal and important decision for you and your family. We are of the view that choosing the best dentist in Calgary for you and your family is as important as choosing a family physician and care should be taken to ensure that your dentist is a good fit for you and your family. Your family dentist should be someone with whom you are comfortable, with whom you can openly and honestly communicate without feeling judged, someone who shares your overall health philosophy, someone who motivates you to take care of your dental health, someone who encourages you to be proactive to avoid larger dental health issues and, if you have children, someone whom you children are happy to see (yes happy!).
When choosing a Calgary dentist who would be the best dentist in Calgary suited for your particular needs and circumstances, we encourage you to speak with your family members, friends, co-workers and neighbours and ask for recommendations. If your mother says she has the best dentist in Calgary, considering making an appointment at that dental office (it is said that mom always knows best!). You may also wish to search Google for whatever search criteria is important to you, such as a “best dentist near me”, “best dentist in Calgary” or for whatever particular services you are seeking, such as cosmetic dentistry in Calgary, sedation dentistry, dental hygiene, oral surgery, veneers, crowns, or Calgary dental implants. You may also wish to review various dentists’ website to determine if a particular dental office appears to be a good “fit” for your needs and preferences. Public websites such as the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta and the American Dental Association also offer great resource material to help you choose the best dentist in Calgary for you and your family.
Many offices, including our Calgary dentist office, offer “meet and greet” sessions and we encourage you to take advantage of these services. Make a list of all of your questions and, if possible, bring along your dental records and x-rays. Don’t forget to ask how that particular dental office deals with emergency dental situations, and what their after hours policy is in the event that you have a dental emergency when the dental office is closed.
To help you choose the best dentist in Calgary for you and your family, we are pleased to offer meet and greet sessions at our Calgary dental office. We also offer dental implant, sedation and cosmetic dentistry consultations, to ensure that you are completely confident that you are making the right choice of a Calgary dentist for you and your family. It would be our privilege to gain your confidence as your dental health providers as we continue to strive to provide services that are friendly and comfortable and leave you with the reassurance that you have found the right dental home for you and your family. If you have any questions about our Calgary dental office, please call us at 403.283.4252.
What portions of my dental treatment will my dental insurance cover?
Dental insurance coverage varies widely between dental insurers and dental insurance plans. It is therefore not possible to determine what your dental insurance will cover and what your our-of-pocket costs for your dental treatment will be without carefully examining your insurance plan and/or requesting a pre-determination of your dental benefits with your dental insurer.
At our Calgary dentist office, we always encourage our patients to review their dental insurance plans carefully so they are fully apprised of what their dental insurance coverage consists of. Patients should be aware and look for whether they have coverage for a particular dental treatment, particularly dental implants, sedation dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, what their yearly maximum dental limits are, and at what percentage rate their insurance covers. Our Calgary dental team is always happy to assist with this process and can also pre-determine your dental insurance coverage so that you will have an exact calculation of what your dental treatment will cost prior to proceeding with your dental treatment in Calgary, including dental cleanings, fillings, x-rays, crowns, veneers, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry and bridges.
If you have a question about what your dental insurance will cover, please do not hesitate to contact our Calgary dentist office and we would be pleased to assist you in any way we can.
I have some dental anxiety. What can my dentist do to help me?
It’s not uncommon for patients to feel some dental anxiety with the thought of going to the dentist. Unfortunately, if left unaddressed, dental anxiety can lead to more oral health problems. Here are some tips from our Calgary dentist to help you feel more at ease with your dental treatment:
- Schedule a complimentary sedation dentistry consultation appointment with Dr. Thompson where you can have an open, honest and judgment-free conversation about your dental apprehensions and current expectations of your dental team. Ask us lots of questions about your proposed dental treatment whether it be for cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, or whatever dental treatment you are considering. We are here to help!
- Consider whether sedation dentistry may be an option for you, particularly for major dental work such as dental implants and cosmetic dentistry procedures, and if so, which type of sedation would best suit your needs.
- Schedule shorter appointment times to avoid feeling overwhelmed if you have numerous dental issues to be addressed.
- Ask us lots of questions! Often having knowledge of dental treatment procedures and what they involve helps to ease anxiety.
- Bring your headphones and listen to music or watch TV on our ceiling TV to distract you from the sounds of the dental office.
- Holding your breath can increase anxiety so focus on slow and regular breathing.
Our goal is to ensure that you are completely comfortable, at ease and informed about your dental treatment at every visit. Call our Calgary dental office for more information or to schedule your dental appointment today.
Should I visit the dentist when I'm pregnant?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes! The health of your teeth and gums is particularly important during your pregnancy as your oral health can affect the health of your developing baby. You should attend at your Calgary dentist for regular dental hygiene appointments, as well as check-ups by your dentist.
If you do require dental treatment such as a filling or a root canal, discuss with your dentist the risk and benefits of proceeding with the dental treatment while you are pregnant versus after you have your baby. Also note that, according to the Government of Canada website, the best time to have dental work done while you are pregnant, if possible, is during your second trimester, or between the fourth and sixth month. Of course, if you are experiencing any dental pain, dental trauma or any other symptoms that would be considered to be a dental emergency, you should not hesitate to call your Calgary dentist immediately so that your situation may be assessed and your concerns attended to promptly.
If you have any questions about your oral health during your pregnancy, or if you are experiencing a dental emergency and require an emergency dentist appointment in Calgary, please call one of our friendly team members at 403.283.4252 and we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you at your convenience and answer all of your questions and concerns.
When do I need to see a dental specialist?
Dr. Dirk Thompson is a general dentist. Dental specialists are dentists with additional training and qualifications which are recognized as specialties by the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta.
At times, your dental concerns may warrant a visit to a specialist’s office, such as a periodontist (a specialist in issues related to the gums), an oral surgeon, an endodontist (a specialist in root canal therapy), a pediatric dentist or an orthodontist. These specialists have extra training and are certified by the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta in their fields of specialty.
Patients are referred to specialists for complex dental issues, particularly for treatment involving complicated root canals or oral surgery, or where specialized equipment is required to address dental concerns such as specialized microscopes. If it is necessary to refer you to a dental specialist, we can make a recommendation for you or you may see the specialist of your choice.
When should my child's first appointment be with your Calgary dentist?
Our Calgary dentist office is often asked, “When should I first bring my child to see a dentist?”.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that your child be seen by a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by one year of age, whichever is earlier. Our Calgary dental office is pleased to offer a “well-baby teeth check-up”, where our Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, can check for possible early teeth issues and provide instruction on oral healthcare for babies and toddlers.
For babies and infants, we encourage parents and caregivers to be aware of issues such as baby bottle decay and early childhood caries, which can potentially have lifelong implications on your child’s oral health well-being. We also encourage parents and caregivers to establish healthy oral habits right from birth, including wiping your baby’s gums with a soft and clean gauze pad to remove plaque which can affect erupting teeth. Other issues that may arise with infants and toddlers are dental emergencies such as knocked out teeth from accidents, as well as tooth sealants and thumb sucking. If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to call our Calgary dentist office at 403.283.4252. One of our friendly team members will happily answer any question you may have.
As with all of our patients, we work very hard to try to make your child’s first and subsequent visits to our office as comfortable and even fun! We welcome and encourage parents to stay with their child for their entire dental visit. We focus on all aspects of preventative care including using dental sealants where appropriate and educating your child about the importance of oral healthcare. We also have an awesome toy box for your child to choose from at the end of each of their dental visits.
It would be our privilege to be your partner in your child’s dental health. Call our Calgary dental office today to book your child’s dental appointment.
Should my child see a dentist if they don't yet have all of their teeth?
One of the most frequent questions asked of our Calgary dentist and dental hygienists by parents is at what age they should bring their child in to see their dentist for a dental check-up. Some parents are surprised to learn that the Canadian Dental Association recommends that a child first be seen by their dental professional well before they have all of their baby teeth. In fact, both the Canadian Dental Association recommends that your child be seen by your Calgary dentist by one year of age or within six months of their first tooth eruption, whichever event comes first.
One of the most important reasons to bring your child to see our Calgary dentist at this early age is that, if there are any issues or developing issues, our Calgary dentist can address them before they become bigger problems. Some additional reasons to ensure your child is seen for their first dental appointment by the time they are one year of age or within six months of their first tooth eruption are:
- to check for cavities or early signs of cavities
- to check to make sure you are brushing your child’s teeth properly and to assist with oral care instruction
- to check and make sure that the eruption of your child’s teeth is on schedule with no issues
- to check for enamel anomalies
- to discuss if your child may be at risk for tooth decay
- to discuss issues such as the use of fluoride and teeth sealants
In addition to these reasons, another very important reason to make an appointment for your little one to see our Calgary dentist at an early age is to help make your child comfortable with seeing a dentist and a dental hygienist, as well as to help educate them as to the importance of taking good care of their own dental health.
If you have a little one and it’s time for them to see a dentist, we would be honoured to be your partner in your child’s dental health. Together, we can make your child’s smile last a lifetime!
How much do dental implants cost in Calgary?
The cost of dental implants in Calgary varies between dental offices. The cost may also vary depending upon whether a general dentist places the dental implant, or, whether you choose to see a dental specialist for the placement of one or more dental implants.
Additionally, the cost of dental implants in Calgary will vary depending upon your current dental health, whether you require a bone graft, the number of dental implants you require, and your final restoration choice. Depending upon your situation, you may require an implant retained denture or one or more implant crowns.
To help you better understand what the cost of a dental implant may be in Calgary as well as whether you would be a good candidate for a dental implant consultation, Dr. Dirk Thompson, our general Calgary dentist, would be pleased to answer all of your questions at a dental implant consultation. Call our office today to find out more and book your dental implant consultation today!
Is dental tourism a good idea?
By now you have probably heard of one of your family members, friends or work colleagues talk about having dental work completed in a foreign jurisdiction in what is sometimes referred to as “dental tourism”. If you are wondering whether you should forego your usual visit with your Calgary dentist in favour of having dental work completed in a foreign jurisdiction while on a sunny vacation, you should first consider the following.
One of the most significant benefits of seeing a dentist in Calgary is that all dentists and their professional activities in Calgary (Alberta) are regulated by the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta. This means that, when you visit a dentist in Calgary, you can be assured that:
- they have the proper education and has passed the board examination to become a licensed member of the Alberta Dental Association & College
- they are accountable to both you and the Alberta Dental Association & College
- your dentistry is delivered in a safe and effective manner
- they are following the standards and guidelines set by the Alberta Dental Association & College
- they are committed to fulfilling their bi-annual continuing education requirements
- they have malpractice insurance
- if you have an issue that cannot be resolved between yourself and your Calgary dentist, you can ask the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta for assistance in resolving the matter
With respect to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta, these standards and guidelines govern a wide range of topics that keep you safe and ensure that quality dentistry is provided by your Calgary dentist. Some of these standards and guidelines include the following:
- infection prevention and control protocols
- maintenance and inspection of x-rays
- patient record keeping
- informed consent protocols
- limitations on scope of practice
- continuing education protocols
- advertising standards
If you are considering booking a “dental vacation”, one of the first things you should consider and fully inform yourself about is what standards does the particular jurisdiction have with respect to both licensing dentists and regulating their practices. You should also consider such issues as:
- What will you do if you require follow-up treatment after returning home?
- What if there are dental complications after you return home?
- What will happen if you feel you should have a refund of all of a part of your money?
Although there is no doubt that there is quality dentistry in foreign jurisdictions, before making the decision to have treatment done outside of North America, our Calgary dentist strongly encourages you to do your own research about both the dentist and the jurisdiction’s dental association.
For more information about dental tourism, see our recent blog on this topic.
How much does it cost to get my teeth done?
The cost of having dental work varies widely depending upon the current state of your oral health, whether you wish to have any cosmetic dentistry procedures, and your choice of the dental treatment options presented to you.
At our Calgary dentist office, we recognize that the cost of dental treatment can be an important factor in determining which treatment that you choose. With this in mind, we will provide you with as many options as possible, while at the same time providing you with as much information as possible related to both the short-term and long-term benefits of each treatment option so that you may make a fully informed decision regarding your dental work.
Our Calgary dentist can also pre-determine your dental work with your insurance company so you are aware of your out-of-pocket costs prior to proceeding with treatment, particularly for major dental work such as crowns, veneers, dental implants, bridges and multiple restorations. It is important that you are aware of all of the terms and conditions of your insurance plan as many dental insurance plans have yearly maximums, and coverage can vary depending upon the type of treatment procedure you require, particularly treatments for cosmetic dentistry. If you have any questions about your dental insurance plan, call our Calgary dental office today and we will do our best to help you understand your dental insurance benefits.
Are root canals safe?
In recent years, there have been various publications and discussions in social media questioning whether root canals are safe. According to our Calgary dentist, although the success of any dental procedure cannot be guaranteed given that each patient’s medical and dental history and health differ, root canals are a very safe dental procedure. In fact, a joint statement has been issued by the Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Academy of Endodontics confirming that root canal therapy is both a very safe and effective treatment modality to treat a tooth that is severely damaged or infected.
Our Calgary dentist has also been asked whether there is any correlation between cancer and root canal therapy. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, there is no evidence that root canal therapy causes cancer.
Because root canal (endodontic) therapy remains the only option available to save a tooth where it has become severely infected or damaged, in most circumstances, our Calgary dentist will recommend that your tooth be saved and treated with a root canal as opposed to extracting the tooth. After a tooth is extracted, the only options available to replace the tooth are bridge work or a dental implant. After a tooth is root canalled, the tooth will be restored by our Calgary dentist with either a filling or a crown, with a dental crown being the best long-term solution to preserving both the tooth’s form and function in most cases.
If you have any questions about the safety or effectiveness of root canal treatment, our Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, welcomes and encourages your questions. Our Calgary dentist also encourages you to visit reputable websites and sources when making important decisions about your oral health. Some great sources include the Canadian Dental Association’s website and the Mouth Healthy website from the American Dental Association. Please also visit our web page on root canals for more information about this dental procedure.
If you would like to speak about any dental concerns you may have with our Calgary dentist, please do not hesitate to make an appointment at our dental office in the beautiful community of Kensington (Hillhurst/Sunnyside). Our dental team is here to serve you!
My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see my Calgary dentist regularly?
Absolutely! Even if you are not experiencing any dental symptoms and, even if you believe that you have no dental issues, it is still very important to attend at your dentist’s office for both regular cleanings and check-ups. The frequency of these visits will depend upon your overall oral health. However, the goal of these visits is to avoid or minimize any dental issues before they become bigger ones.
At your dental check-up, our Calgary dentist will generally take x-rays (as may be required) and conduct a thorough dental examination. It is through x-rays and a visual examination that issues such as cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer can be detected as early as possible, earlier than you may be able to detect on your own. At your cleaning appointment, our dental hygienist will clean (scale) and polish your teeth, as well as apply fluoride, if you so choose. For many people, regular check-ups and cleanings are recommended every six months. However, as with any treatment plan, this varies from patient to patient depending upon their individual oral health needs and overall oral health.
At your dental and dental hygiene appointment, this is also a great opportunity to discuss any changes you have noticed to your oral health and any particular issues you may be experiencing or concerns you may have regarding your oral health. It is also an opportune time to have any of your other oral health related questions answered.
Your oral health is an integral aspect of your overall health and, as such, it should be regularly monitored by a dentist. In fact, many aspects of your oral have systemic affects on other aspects of your health, including your cardiovascular health, making your oral health care just as important as any other aspect of your overall health and wellbeing.
If you would like to make an appointment for a dental check-up or cleaning, we’re here to help. Please call our office and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have and book your appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
How is my dentist and oral health important to my overall health?
Your and your family’s dental health is as important as any other aspect of your overall health and well-being. In fact, your oral health truly is a window to your overall health as there have been many studies showing that your oral health can be a contributing factor to other health conditions such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications and even pneumonia (see Mayo Clinic). Your dental health needs also change through different stages of life, including childhood, teenage years, adults under 40, adults over 40 and adults over 60 and it is important to see your dentist to address different issues that may arise throughout these various life stages.
Your dentist is a healthcare provider who is trained to not only deal with issues regarding your teeth, but also your gums, jaw and face. Your dentist can help you address issues relating to your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), as well as other dental related issues that may be causing jaw, face and neck pain, as well as headaches. A dentist can also address concerns related to facial and smile aesthetics and help to detect oral cancers.
Your dentist will help to ensure that, no matter what your stage of your life, with regular dentist and dental hygiene visits, your optimal oral health can be both achieved and maintained. Your dentist can also help to identify any dental issues that may emerge before they become major dental problems that could require more extensive interventions and treatments and ultimately become more costly to you.
In order to maintain your optimal dental health, our Calgary dentist encourages twice yearly dental cleanings, as well as regular dental examinations and x-rays, as may be required from time to time.
Your dentist is also here to help you when you are experiencing a dental emergency. At our Calgary dentist office, we recommend that, if you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency, which emergency can include a dental abscess, facial trauma, significant swelling in the area of a tooth, gum, or jaw, the loss of a dental filling, or the loss of a tooth due to facial trauma, you call our dental office immediately to help you deal with your dental emergency quickly and safely.
My child knocked our her tooth. Can her tooth be saved?
If your child suffers a knocked out tooth from a sports injury or other traumatic event, if it is a permanent (adult) tooth, the tooth may be able to be saved if quick action is taken. Saving the tooth, however, is not guaranteed. If the tooth is a baby tooth, even if the tooth is due to fall out naturally within a short period of time, you should bring your child to your emergency calgary dentist promptly for an assessment of other possible damage and to ensure there are no parts of the root left in the socket. Here are some steps to be taken if you or your child has a knocked out permanent tooth:
- Stay calm and act quickly. The likelihood of saving a tooth is more favourable if the tooth is put back in its socket properly within 30 minutes of the injury. According to the Canadian Dental Association, it is possible to save a tooth up to two hours after an injury but the likelihood of saving the tooth is dramatically reduced after 30 minutes.
- If you have retrieved the tooth, handle it very carefully and try not to touch it by its roots. Hold the knocked out tooth by its crown (being the part of the tooth that is exposed) and gently wash the tooth with warm water. Do not scrub or rub the tooth, or put it in a towel to dry it.
- If at all possible, try to put the tooth back into its socket. To hold the tooth in the socket, very gently bite down on the tooth or use your finger to hold it down.
- If for whatever reason you cannot get the tooth back into its socket, make sure to keep the tooth moist. To do this, try to hold the tooth in the inside of your cheek. For children, only ask them to do this if you can be sure that there is no risk of them swallowing the tooth. If you can’t keep the tooth in your cheek, place it in a glass of milk or use a tooth saver kit to keep the tooth moist. Do not place the tooth in tap water as the chemicals in the water may harm the roots.
- Call our emergency Calgary dentist and tell the receptionist that you or your child has lost a tooth and you require an immediate appointment for emergency dentistry. At Advance Your Health Dental, we will always use our best efforts to accommodate time sensitive emergency dental appointments.
Although not all emergency dentistry concerns such as a knocked out tooth are predictable, for sports related dental injuries, wearing a sports guard can significantly decrease the chances of incurring an injury to you or your child’s jaw, teeth or mouth, thereby necessitating an emergency dental appointment with your Calgary dentist. Dr. Dirk Thompson, a Calgary dentist, can fabricate a custom sports guard for you or your child in one easy and convenient visit.
If you or your family member is experiencing a dental emergency such as a knocked out tooth or any other emergency dentistry concern, please call Advance Your Health Dental as soon as possible as a prompt visit with your Calgary dentist can potentially increase the likelihood of a more favourable outcome. Call us today at 403.283.4252.
Can I bring a therapy animal to my Calgary dentist appointment?
According to the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta, with the exception of qualified service animals for people with disabilities, animals are not permitted inside a dental practice. This means that it is not permissible to bring a therapy dog or any other therapy animal to your appointment with your Calgary dentist. You may, however, bring a duly qualified service animal to your dental appointment.
The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta has defined a service animal as follows:
Service Animal: any animal that assists a person with disabilities with one or more daily activities. Legislation regarding service animals in health care facilities are found in Alberta’s Service Dog Act and Blind Person’s Rights Act. To qualify as a service dog in Alberta, the dog must be from an approved Service Dog Organization and meet the Alberta Training Standard. Service animals are distinct from therapy animals which are not allowed in a dental clinic in Calgary.
If you require the use of a duly qualified service animal, please let our Calgary dentist team know prior to your dental appointment so that we may request that you bring your animal’s service animal ID from an accredited organization to your dental appointment so we can ensure that we are complying with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta’s and Alberta Health Services’ standards regarding service animals in a Calgary dental clinic.