About
Dr. James C. Chen is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Sherwood Park, AB, Dr. Chen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chen 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. Chen 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. Chen 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. Chen 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. James C. Chen earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Chen brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Chen 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. Chen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chen remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.
Key aspects of Dr. Chen's dental practice philosophy include: 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; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Chen provides consultations in English.
Dr. James C. Chen 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
- Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
- 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 Anxiety Phobia
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
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.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chen. 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): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
- Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
- Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): A safe, effective, and reversible inhalation sedation method to quickly reduce dental anxiety, raise pain threshold, and increase comfort, allowing patients to remain awake and responsive.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chen. 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. James C. Chen adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
At Dr. James C. Chen'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. Chen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- With Dr. Chen's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation is focused on achieving the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance without dental concerns.
- If a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal has unfortunately put feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chen works closely with patients towards attaining their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
- Through Dr. Chen's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them often find they can readily achieve their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
- Are you struggling with noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity? Dr. Chen partners with patients to target no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern a much more achievable reality.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Chen, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Chen is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Chen's practice, a dental office in Sherwood Park, is situated in a central location within the Sherwood Park neighborhood of Sherwood Park. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Chen for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Chen will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Chen's specific recommendations.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Chen?
- 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. Chen.
- 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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chen at the clinic?
- Your first visit will include a comprehensive dental examination: review of your medical and dental history; thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including oral cancer screening); and necessary X-rays. Dr. Chen will discuss findings, address concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.
- Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?
- Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chen determines the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.
Unit 330, 664 Wye Road
Sherwood Park, AB, T8A 6G3
Phone: (780) 467-2401
Dr. James C. Chen 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. Chen 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.