Dr. Dustin R. Michel

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

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• 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.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

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

At Dr. Dustin R. Michel'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. Michel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath, involves working systematically towards achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. Dr. Michel expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Michel to see patients who were troubled by wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth successfully achieve receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age, Dr. Michel offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• When feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Michel helps patients strive for feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction. This makes participating in activities such as feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Dr. Michel's practice, a dental office in Cardston, is situated in a central location within the Cardston neighborhood of Cardston. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Michel offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Michel understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, our clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Michel during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Michel 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. Michel for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, we generally recommend check-ups and cleanings every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Michel will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may be able to have slightly longer intervals. It's important to follow Dr. Michel's specific recommendation.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Michel 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. Michel will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

No, a referral is typically not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Michel.

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 NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. 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). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Michel is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer 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 may offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

572 - 3rd Street West, Box 1940
Cardston, AB, T0K 0K0

Phone: (403) 653-4121

Dr. Dustin R. Michel 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. Michel 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.