Dr. Bruce D. Burgess – Dentist | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Bruce D. Burgess is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in Lethbridge, AB, Dr. Burgess is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Burgess is licensed by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in AB. Dr. Burgess 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. Burgess also offers facial esthetic treatments using therapeutic neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® for bruxism, TMJ pain, or cosmetic enhancement of the upper face such as frown lines and crow's feet) and/or dermal fillers to complement dental aesthetics, address facial harmony, and rejuvenate facial appearance, based on their specific certified training levels. Dr. Burgess provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), and related orofacial pain conditions (such as myofascial pain). Treatment approaches are often conservative and non-surgical, potentially including occlusal splints (night guards), patient education, therapeutic exercises, and, if certified, the use of neuromodulators for muscle relaxation or pain relief. Dr. Burgess 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 the clinic.

Dr. Bruce D. Burgess earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Burgess brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Burgess offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management and General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers). Dr. Burgess is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Burgess's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Burgess provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Dermal Filler Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation & Contouring (If Certified): Using hyaluronic acid-based or other approved dermal fillers to skillfully restore lost facial volume (e.g., in cheeks, temples), smooth out static wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines), enhance and define lip contours, and improve overall facial symmetry and rejuvenation, by a dental provider certified in these advanced injectable techniques.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Artistic application and sculpting of tooth-coloured composite resin directly onto teeth to repair chips, close small gaps (diastemas), improve tooth shape, lengthen teeth, or cover discolouration, typically completed in a single dental visit.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.

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

At Dr. Bruce D. Burgess'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. Burgess frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning is a primary concern, Dr. Burgess focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits.
• If their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Burgess develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.
• At Dr. Burgess's clinic, addressing their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation means focusing on patient goals. Achieving the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment at Dr. Burgess's practice is consistently achieving their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.

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

Dr. Burgess's practice, a dental office in Lethbridge, is situated in the Downtown Lethbridge, South Lethbridge East neighborhood of Lethbridge. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Lethbridge and is accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Burgess is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care such as check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Restorative treatments encompass fillings, crowns, bridges, and basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth). Dr. Burgess also performs simple extractions and provides initial management of gum disease. Cosmetic procedures, such as whitening or bonding, may also be offered. Importantly, Dr. Burgess educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. Based on additional training, they may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management.

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

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

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Burgess help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Burgess can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Burgess and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Burgess will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity 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, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Burgess will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Burgess for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can book an appointment directly with the clinic.

608 - 5 AVE S
Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4P9

Phone: (403) 394-3352

Dr. Bruce D. Burgess 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. Burgess 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.