Dr. Douglas S. Bowden

Dr. Douglas S. Bowden 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• 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.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

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

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).

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

At Dr. Douglas S. Bowden'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. Bowden frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed? Dr. Bowden partners with patients to target finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile a much more achievable reality.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems, involves working systematically towards their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment. Dr. Bowden expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• Patients presenting with experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation under Dr. Bowden's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth has unfortunately put feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Bowden works closely with patients towards attaining their recurrent canker sores becoming less frequent or less severe with management strategies, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. Bowden's practice, a dental office in Picture Butte, is situated in a central location within the Picture Butte neighborhood of Picture Butte. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Bowden will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, patients managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Bowden's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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

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. Bowden.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Bowden and the team will get to know you and your oral health history. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Bowden will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatment. 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 AHCIP typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care is paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to check your private insurance coverage details and verify any potential public coverage you might qualify for before your treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bowden is your primary dental care provider, 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 include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex cases.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Bowden determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

PO Box 25
Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0

Phone: (403) 732-5621

Dr. Douglas S. Bowden 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. Bowden 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.