Dr. Douglas H. Galan – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Douglas H. Galan is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Galan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Galan 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. Galan 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. Galan 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. Galan 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. Douglas H. Galan earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Galan brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Galan 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. Galan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures Dr. Galan remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Galan's dental practice philosophy include a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; Dr. Galan believes in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Galan provides consultations in English.

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Galan. 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): A highly effective and predictable sedation technique for achieving profound relaxation and anxiety control during various dental treatments, ensuring patient comfort and cooperation.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.

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

At Dr. Douglas H. Galan'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. Galan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli, Dr. Galan provides solutions that lead to the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered with Dr. Galan's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them once more.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients at Dr. Galan's practice is consistently achieving their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• If their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed is preventing you from fully enjoying enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity or causing discomfort, Dr. Galan offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Galan's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the Downtown West End, Eau Claire neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Connects NW/SW and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 may 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. Galan at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Galan 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. Galan will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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. Galan 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Galan 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. Galan's specific recommendation.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Galan is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

131 - 9th Avenue S.W., 430 Tower Centre
Calgary, AB, T2P 1K1

Phone: (403) 265-3146

Dr. Douglas H. Galan 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. Galan 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.