Dr. Geoffrey Morihira – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Geoffrey Morihira is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Morihira is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Morihira 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. Morihira 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. Morihira 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. Geoffrey Morihira earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Morihira brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Morihira is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Morihira remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. Their professional journey reflects a dedication to both patient well-being and the advancement of the dental profession.

Key aspects of Dr. Morihira's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Morihira provides consultations in English.

Dr. Geoffrey Morihira 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

• 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.

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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• 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).
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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

At Dr. Geoffrey Morihira'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. Morihira frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Morihira's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is focused on achieving their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health without dental concerns.
• The journey from a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation to wellness often involves Dr. Morihira's dedicated care. The milestone is their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, which opens the door back to activities such as maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Morihira to see patients who were troubled by their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development successfully achieve a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Morihira when they first notice ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment, enabling them to once again enjoy sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances without hesitation.

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

Dr. Morihira'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 Prince's Island Park 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might 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 services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Morihira typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Morihira 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Morihira and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Morihira will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of our clinic’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (403) 269-1714. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Morihira or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Calgary area.

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

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

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, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Morihira 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. Morihira for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for most patients for preventative care. However, Dr. Morihira 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). It's important to follow Dr. Morihira's specific recommendation.

111-5 Avenue SW, Suite 200 Suncor Energy Centre
Calgary, AB, T2P 3Y6

Phone: (403) 269-1714

Dr. Geoffrey Morihira 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. Morihira 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.