Dr. Ian D. Miller – Dentist | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Ian D. Miller is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Lethbridge, AB, Dr. Miller is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Miller 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. Miller 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. Miller 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. Miller 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. Ian D. Miller earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Miller brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Miller offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers) and General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Miller is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Miller's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Miller provides consultations in English.

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

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.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Exploring options like neuromodulators and/or dermal fillers, often in combination, to address various signs of facial aging or enhance specific features.
• Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Addressing common dynamic wrinkles in the forehead, between the brows (glabella), and around the eyes (crow's feet) with injectable treatments.
• Facial Volume Loss or Desire for Contour Enhancement (Cheeks, Lips, Jawline, Temples): Seeking safe and effective non-surgical options to restore youthful volume, plumpness, or improve specific facial definitions and proportions.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

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

At Dr. Ian D. Miller'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. Miller frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent with Dr. Miller's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth and social interactions.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral) with Dr. Miller's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort once more.
• A key objective when treating waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding at Dr. Miller's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist). This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.
• Managing their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Miller and the dental team. The clear aim is always gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Dr. Miller's practice, a dental office in Lethbridge, is situated in the Downtown Lethbridge, South Lethbridge East neighborhood of Lethbridge. The clinic is conveniently located near Connects North/South and is accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Miller and the team at the clinic 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 you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Miller will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Miller 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, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is important to follow Dr. Miller's specific recommendations.

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 <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by AHCIP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance policy regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before beginning treatment.

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Miller is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. General Dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for cavities between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Miller 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).

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

Yes, Dr. Miller understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, the clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Miller during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

2-553 40 ST S
Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4M1

Phone: (403) 329-8180

Dr. Ian D. Miller 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. Miller 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.