Dr. George S. Schow

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

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• 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.

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: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Schow. 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.

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

At Dr. George S. Schow'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. Schow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them can cause, Dr. Schow tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Schow 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 child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral, enabling them to once again enjoy no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking without hesitation.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them is a common journey for patients under Dr. Schow's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment, so that daily routines and pleasures like being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures become straightforward again.
• Dr. Schow's comprehensive care for experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth is meticulously designed to result in a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits without dental worries.

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

Dr. Schow's practice, a dental office in High Level, is situated in a central location within the High Level neighborhood of High Level. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 always 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. Schow 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. Schow for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Schow will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any 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). Following Dr. Schow's specific recommendation is crucial for 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 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's essential 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.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Schow 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. Schow at the clinic?

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

PO Box 1078
High Level, AB, T0J 2P0

Phone: (403) 580-5520

Dr. George S. Schow 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. Schow 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.