Dr. Emad M. Abougouche

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

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• 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.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Abougouche. 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: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• 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.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• 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.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.

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

At Dr. Emad M. Abougouche'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. Abougouche frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem is a primary concern, Dr. Abougouche focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• Many people seek Dr. Abougouche's professional help and expertise when dealing with a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Abougouche about experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow is to attain their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits.
• When an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Abougouche helps patients strive for receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This makes participating in activities such as their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Dr. Abougouche's practice, a dental office in Lac La Biche, is situated in a central location within the Lac La Biche neighborhood of Lac La Biche. 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.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Abougouche 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. Abougouche 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.

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 strongly recommended that patients verify any potential public coverage they may be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

What is our clinic's policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Abougouche. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient in need of care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50-$100. Specific fee information is available from the clinic. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently.

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. Abougouche 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. Abougouche?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Abougouche 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. Abougouche typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Abougouche 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.

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

Generally, we recommend every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Abougouche will recommend a personalized schedule based on 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. Abougouche's specific recommendation.

10213 - 101 Street
Lac La Biche, AB, T0A 2C0

Phone: (780) 623-4229

Dr. Emad M. Abougouche 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. Abougouche 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.