Dr. Berland R. Hammond

Dr. Berland R. Hammond 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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Dr. Berland R. Hammond'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. Hammond frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Hammond when they first notice having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing, enabling them to once again enjoy their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health without hesitation.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child being referred to a dental specialist for specific or complex treatment needs by their school or another health provider is a common journey for patients under Dr. Hammond's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, so that daily routines and pleasures like feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism become straightforward again.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention, involves working systematically towards a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. Dr. Hammond expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• Through Dr. Hammond's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning often find they can readily achieve their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.

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

Dr. Hammond's practice, a dental office in High Level, is situated in a central location within the High Level neighborhood of High Level. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Hammond will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Hammond's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Hammond and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Hammond will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

In Alberta, 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 provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at the clinic.

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hammond 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Hammond 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Hammond.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

For life-threatening emergencies (severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening dental issues (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, dental abscess with moderate swelling, broken tooth causing sharp pain) outside our clinic hours, call our main office number at (780) 926-2660. Our voicemail may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Hammond or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service in High Level.

PO Box 1078
High Level, AB, T0H 1Z0

Phone: (780) 926-2660

Dr. Berland R. Hammond 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. Hammond 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.