Dr. Lester S. Ikuta – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Lester S. Ikuta is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Ikuta is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ikuta 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. Ikuta 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. Ikuta 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. Lester S. Ikuta earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Ikuta brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Ikuta is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Ikuta remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available. This dedication to professional development reflects Dr. Ikuta's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Ikuta'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. Dr. Ikuta provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ikuta. 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.
• 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.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.

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

At Dr. Lester S. Ikuta'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. Ikuta frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning to wellness often involves Dr. Ikuta's dedicated care. The milestone is their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, which opens the door back to activities such as enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding at Dr. Ikuta's practice is consistently achieving their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• For those affected by a tooth that felt 'high' or uncomfortable after a recent dental filling, affecting their bite, Dr. Ikuta provides solutions that lead to 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 renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Ikuta about a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them is to attain receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.

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

Dr. Ikuta's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the SE: Lake Bonavista, Bonaventure neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near WinSport Canada Olympic Park (Ski jumps, Bobsleigh) and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Ikuta 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. Ikuta 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.

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, social assistance recipients). It is strongly recommended that you verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at the clinic.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Ikuta 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. Ikuta for a check-up and cleaning?

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ikuta 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

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. Ikuta.

15, 15 Millrise Blvd. S.W.
Calgary, AB, T2Y 1X7

Phone: (403) 254-0406

Dr. Lester S. Ikuta 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. Ikuta 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.