About
Dr. Alex Wakter is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Ottawa Downtown Dentist in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Wakter is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Wakter is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Wakter 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. Wakter 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. Wakter 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 Ottawa Downtown Dentist.
Dr. Alex Wakter earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 1985. With over 37 years of practice since 1988, Dr. Wakter 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. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Wakter is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Wakter remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to provide the best possible care to their patients.
Key aspects of Dr. Wakter's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Wakter provides consultations in English.
Dr. Alex Wakter provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Gum Disease Initial
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
- Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
Dental Anxiety Phobia
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
Dental Pain Emergency
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
- Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
- Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
Extensive Dental Treatment Needs
- Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Wakter. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
- 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.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.
- Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): A conservative and versatile cosmetic procedure to quickly and effectively enhance your smile's appearance using direct composite bonding techniques.
- Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Wakter. 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. Alex Wakter adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Ottawa Downtown Dentist, 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. Wakter frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider at Dr. Wakter's practice is consistently achieving gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
- When their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Wakter helps patients strive for their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade. This makes participating in activities such as delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance a pleasant and possible experience again.
- Patients presenting with wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) under Dr. Wakter's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health without the former limitations or discomfort.
- Through Dr. Wakter's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth often find they can readily achieve a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Wakter, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Wakter is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Ottawa Downtown Dentist, where Dr. Wakter practices, is situated in the Parliament Hill, Centretown East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near National Defence HQ (Pearkes Building) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Wakter typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Wakter 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 treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Wakter also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.
- 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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Wakter 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).
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Wakter for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Wakter will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Wakter's specific recommendation.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP 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 by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Wakter at Ottawa Downtown Dentist?
- Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes reviewing your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Wakter will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Wakter?
- No, you generally don't need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Wakter for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with Ottawa Downtown Dentist.
Ottawa Downtown Dentist
111 Albert St #114
Ottawa, ON, K1P 1A5
Phone: (613) 235-7677
Dr. Alex Wakter is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).
License Number: 11220
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11220
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Wakter 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.