About
Dr. Catheryn C. Shea is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Spruce Grove, AB, Dr. Shea is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shea 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. Shea 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. Shea 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. Shea 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. Catheryn C. Shea earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Shea brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Shea 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. Dr. Shea is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Shea remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.
Key aspects of Dr. Shea's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Shea provides consultations in English.
Dr. Catheryn C. Shea provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Tooth Decay Cavities
- Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
- 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.
Preventative Oral Health Topics
- Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
- Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
- Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
Dental Pain Emergency
- Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
Special Needs Dental Care Peds
- Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
- Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Shea. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
- Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
- Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
- 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.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Shea. 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. Catheryn C. Shea adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
At Dr. Catheryn C. Shea'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. Shea frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- The primary focus for patients seeking help for wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development at Dr. Shea'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 no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
- Many people seek Dr. Shea's professional help and expertise when dealing with having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
- The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing feeling self-conscious about the stained or yellowish appearance of their teeth, involves working systematically towards feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. Dr. Shea expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard.
- Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Shea when they first notice noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile, enabling them to once again enjoy their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication without hesitation.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Shea, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Shea is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Shea's practice, a dental office in Spruce Grove, is situated in the Spruce Grove City neighborhood of Spruce Grove. The clinic is conveniently located near Spruce Grove Public Library and is accessible via Spruce Grove Transit (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shea at the clinic?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Shea 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. Shea will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Shea for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Shea 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Shea's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Shea?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Shea for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- In Alberta, the provincial health plan (AHCIP) typically does not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some 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). Government assistance programs may be available for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always 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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Shea 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).
202 - 8 McLeod Avenue
Spruce Grove, AB, T7X 3X3
Phone: (780) 962-6670
Dr. Catheryn C. Shea 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. Shea 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.