Dr. David M. Southwood – Dentist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. David M. Southwood is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Southwood is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Southwood 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. Southwood 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. Southwood 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. David M. Southwood earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Southwood brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Southwood is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Southwood remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. Their professional development is a testament to their dedication to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Southwood'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. Southwood provides consultations in English.

Dr. David M. Southwood 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

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• 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: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.

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

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.
• 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.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• 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.

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

At Dr. David M. Southwood'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. Southwood frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day, Dr. Southwood and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Understanding the frustration a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment can cause, Dr. Southwood tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life.
• With Dr. Southwood's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth is focused on achieving clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile without dental concerns.
• For individuals troubled by their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence, Dr. Southwood's approach is focused on delivering their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care with a healthier smile.

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

Dr. Southwood's practice, a dental office in Edmonton, is situated in the W Central: Britannia Youngstown, Glenwood, West Jasper Place neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Core and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near 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 always used to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or to plan more complex treatments. Dr. Southwood 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).

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Southwood.

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 crucial 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.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Southwood will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a 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. Southwood will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Southwood will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some 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. Southwood's specific recommendation.

264 MAYFIELD COMMON MALL
Edmonton, AB, T5P 4B3

Phone: (780) 484-6644

Dr. David M. Southwood 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. Southwood 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.