Dr. Erin Heneghan – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Erin Heneghan is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Heneghan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Heneghan 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. Heneghan 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. Heneghan 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. Further, Dr. Heneghan offers facial esthetic treatments using therapeutic neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® for bruxism, TMJ pain, or cosmetic enhancement of the upper face such as frown lines and crow's feet) and/or dermal fillers to complement dental aesthetics, address facial harmony, and rejuvenate facial appearance, based on their specific certified training levels. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at the clinic.

Dr. Erin Heneghan earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Heneghan brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Heneghan offers a broad range of dental services and has particular interests and developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers) and General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Heneghan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Heneghan's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Heneghan provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

Tmj Disorders Bruxism

• Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism) - Day or Night: Seeking effective solutions to manage bruxism, protect teeth from further damage and wear, and alleviate associated muscle pain or headaches.
• Limited Jaw Opening (Trismus) or Difficulty Chewing Comfortably: Functional limitations of the jaw movement and masticatory system that require careful assessment and appropriate treatment.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• TMJ/TMD Assessment, Diagnosis & Orofacial Pain Evaluation: Identifying the underlying causes and contributing factors related to your jaw pain, facial muscle soreness, and related dysfunctions to guide effective treatment.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.

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

At Dr. Erin Heneghan'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. Heneghan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Heneghan's professional help and expertise when dealing with a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• When a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain, Dr. Heneghan and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Dr. Heneghan understands that dealing with an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, helping patients comfortably get back to their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence and feeling their best.
• Patients presenting with experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable under Dr. Heneghan's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Dr. Heneghan's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the SE: Acadia, Fairview, Willow Park East neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Peter Lougheed Centre and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Heneghan is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Heneghan also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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

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

Your first visit with Dr. Heneghan 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. Heneghan 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.

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

Yes, Dr. Heneghan understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, the clinic may offer various sedation options, which may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on Dr. Heneghan's specific certifications and the needs of the patient. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Heneghan during your consultation so that they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Heneghan 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) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is important to follow Dr. Heneghan's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by AHCIP. Most dental care costs are usually 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., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Heneghan 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).

500, 6455 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, AB, T2H 0K9

Phone: (403) 252-7608

Dr. Erin Heneghan 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. Heneghan 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.