Dr. M. Todd Olsen – Dentist | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. M. Todd Olsen is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Lethbridge, AB, Dr. Olsen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Olsen 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. Olsen 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. Olsen 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. Olsen 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. M. Todd Olsen earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Olsen brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Olsen 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. Olsen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Olsen remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Olsen's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; 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. Dr. Olsen provides consultations in English.

Dr. M. Todd Olsen 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

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Needing a dentist who can help overcome fear stemming from prior difficult experiences and rebuild trust.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• 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.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Artistic cosmetic restorations designed to conceal a variety of dental imperfections like chips, gaps, severe stains, or misshapen teeth, creating a harmonious smile.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): A personalized and artistic approach to completely redesigning your smile using a carefully selected sequence of cosmetic dental techniques, tailored to your facial features and aesthetic goals.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.

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

At Dr. M. Todd Olsen'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. Olsen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Olsen understands that dealing with their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one, helping patients comfortably get back to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought and feeling their best.
• When wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort, Dr. Olsen and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Patients presenting with a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural under Dr. Olsen's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions without the former limitations or discomfort.
• The journey from a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long to wellness often involves Dr. Olsen's dedicated care. The milestone is their child feeling positive and at ease during their regular dental visits, which opens the door back to activities such as their child participating happily in school photos and social activities.

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

Dr. Olsen's practice is a dental office in Lethbridge, situated in the Downtown Lethbridge, South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Nicholas Sheran Park and is accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Olsen will recommend a personalized 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Olsen's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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

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. Olsen.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Olsen 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. Olsen 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to 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 minimize any potential exposure. 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. Olsen 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).

30-525 HIGHLANDS BLVD W
Lethbridge, AB, T1J 5G3

Phone: (403) 381-2644

Dr. M. Todd Olsen 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. Olsen 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.