Dr. Lydell E. Wenzel – Dentist | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Lydell E. Wenzel is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in Medicine Hat, AB, Dr. Wenzel is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Wenzel 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. Wenzel 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. Wenzel also 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. Wenzel 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. Wenzel serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Lydell E. Wenzel earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Wenzel brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Wenzel 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. Wenzel is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Wenzel's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Wenzel provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

Tmj Disorders Bruxism

• Limited Jaw Opening (Trismus) or Difficulty Chewing Comfortably: Addressing problems with jaw mobility and the ability to perform essential functions like eating and speaking comfortably.
• Jaw Pain, Clicking, Popping, or Locking (TMJ Symptoms): Symptoms highly suggestive of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) requiring thorough diagnosis and a tailored management plan.
• Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism) - Day or Night: Awareness of, or reported symptoms related to, habitual or unconscious teeth grinding (attrition facets, worn enamel) or clenching (jaw soreness, muscle hypertrophy), occurring during the day or, more commonly, at night during sleep.

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

• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Artistic application and sculpting of tooth-coloured composite resin directly onto teeth to repair chips, close small gaps (diastemas), improve tooth shape, lengthen teeth, or cover discolouration, typically completed in a single dental visit.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.

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

At Dr. Lydell E. Wenzel'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. Wenzel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent to wellness often involves Dr. Wenzel's dedicated care. The milestone is their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, which opens the door back to activities such as playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• If their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development has unfortunately put their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Wenzel works closely with patients towards attaining finally addressing a long-standing dental problem, leading to improved oral health and comfort, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Many people seek Dr. Wenzel's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• Dr. Wenzel often consults with patients whose needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain significantly limits their enjoyment of feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Wenzel'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 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds and is accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Wenzel 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).

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

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. Wenzel.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Wenzel will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and 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. Wenzel's specific recommendation.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Wenzel 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. Wenzel 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.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

In AB, provincial health plans (like 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). Verify any potential public coverage and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Wenzel 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.

378 - 1 Street S.E.
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0A6

Phone: (403) 526-5991

Dr. Lydell E. Wenzel 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. Wenzel 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.