Dr. Gordon R. Wacker – Dentist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Gordon R. Wacker is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Wacker is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Wacker 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. Wacker 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. Wacker 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. Dr. Wacker 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. Gordon R. Wacker earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Wacker brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Wacker offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Wacker is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Wacker remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, always striving to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Wacker's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Wacker provides consultations in English.

Dr. Gordon R. Wacker 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• 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.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

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

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• 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.
• 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: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.

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

At Dr. Gordon R. Wacker'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. Wacker frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Wacker expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, means they can happily and comfortably get back to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• Many people seek Dr. Wacker's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Wacker to see patients who were troubled by a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns successfully achieve their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• Patients experiencing waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Wacker's practice, a key objective is their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.

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

Dr. Wacker's practice, a dental office in Edmonton, is situated in the Downtown Core neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Wacker 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. Wacker 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.

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 any potential exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Wacker 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. Wacker for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Wacker will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients 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. Wacker's specific recommendation.

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). It is important 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. Wacker?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Wacker.

10707 - 100 Avenue N.W.
Edmonton, AB, T5J 3M1

Phone: (780) 425-5019

Dr. Gordon R. Wacker 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. Wacker 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.