Dr. Kira L. Swenson – Dentist | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Kira L. Swenson is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Medicine Hat, AB, Dr. Swenson is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Swenson 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. Swenson 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. Swenson 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. Kira L. Swenson earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Swenson brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Swenson 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. Swenson is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Swenson's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Swenson 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. Swenson provides consultations in English.

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

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

• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Improving the aesthetics of front teeth with skillfully applied and polished resin material, often requiring minimal or no tooth preparation.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• 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.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.

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

At Dr. Kira L. Swenson'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. Swenson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Swenson understands that dealing with the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, helping patients comfortably get back to confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions and feeling their best.
• Dr. Swenson provides dedicated support for patients going through a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider, always aiming for positive outcomes like their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Swenson about wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances is to attain having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Swenson when they first notice their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), enabling them to once again enjoy their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain without hesitation.

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

Dr. Swenson's practice, a dental office in Medicine Hat, is situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood of Medicine Hat. The clinic is conveniently located near Tourism Medicine Hat Visitor Centre and is accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Swenson will personalize your 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 crucial to follow Dr. Swenson's specific recommendations.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Swenson 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).

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

Your first visit with Dr. Swenson 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. Swenson 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.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Swenson typically provide?

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

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In AB, 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). Always verify your potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

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. Swenson.

459 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0A7

Phone: (403) 529-1300

Dr. Kira L. Swenson 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. Swenson 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.