Dr. Benjamin R. Fairbanks

Dr. Benjamin R. Fairbanks provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Fairbanks. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fairbanks. 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. Benjamin R. Fairbanks adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

At Dr. Benjamin R. Fairbanks's practice, 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. Fairbanks frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Fairbanks's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially is focused on achieving their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile without dental concerns.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected, involves working systematically towards experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies. Dr. Fairbanks expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• When persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations, Dr. Fairbanks and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance and a return to comfort and confidence.
• The journey from having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard to wellness often involves Dr. Fairbanks's dedicated care. The milestone is their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, which opens the door back to activities such as no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Fairbanks, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Fairbanks is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Dr. Fairbanks's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the SE: Parkland, Deer Ridge, Queensland neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Connects North/South and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Fairbanks offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Fairbanks understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, our clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Fairbanks during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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 used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Fairbanks 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).

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In AB, provincial health plans like the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Fairbanks typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Fairbanks is the primary dental care provider, offering preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures. They educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Fairbanks for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Fairbanks will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs and risk factors. Some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Fairbanks at the clinic?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination: review of 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. Fairbanks will discuss findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Fairbanks?

Typically, no referral is required. Patients can contact the clinic directly.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

Yes, for your convenience, our clinic offers direct billing (also known as assignment of benefits) to most major dental insurance companies. This means we can submit your claim electronically directly to your insurer at the time of your appointment. You would then typically be responsible for paying any co-payment, deductible, or the portion of the fee not covered by your specific plan at the time of service. Please bring all your current insurance information (policy number, group number, ID number) to your appointment so we can assist you.

302-51 Sunpark Drive SE
Calgary, AB, T2X 3V4

Phone: (403) 256-8888

Dr. Benjamin R. Fairbanks is a licensed Dentist in AB, regulated by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Fairbanks 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.