Dr. Lauren A. McLeod – Dentist | Lacombe, AB

Dr. Lauren A. McLeod is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Lacombe, AB, Dr. McLeod is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. McLeod 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. McLeod 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. McLeod 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. McLeod 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. Dr. McLeod 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. Lauren A. McLeod earned a Dental Degree. Dr. McLeod brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. McLeod 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. McLeod is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. McLeod's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. McLeod provides consultations in English.

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

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• 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.
• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Interest in minimally invasive injectable treatments to refresh, revitalize, and rejuvenate overall facial appearance without the need for surgical procedures.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• 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.

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.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• 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. McLeod. 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. Lauren A. McLeod adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

At Dr. Lauren A. McLeod'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. McLeod frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. McLeod's clinic, addressing their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach means focusing on patient goals. Achieving a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• A key objective when treating needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect at Dr. McLeod's welcoming dental clinic is achieving feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• If an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. McLeod develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances.
• Are you struggling with the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding? Dr. McLeod partners with patients to target their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. McLeod's practice, a dental office in Lacombe, is situated in a central location within the Lacombe neighborhood of Lacombe. 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.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. McLeod for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

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 by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. McLeod will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. McLeod's specific recommendations.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. McLeod and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to complete a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. McLeod will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask questions.

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. X-rays are taken only when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. McLeod 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).

201-5206 51 AVE
Lacombe, AB, T4L 1J6

Phone: (403) 782-6900

Dr. Lauren A. McLeod 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. McLeod 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.