Dr. Maria Cristina Sovarel

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

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Sovarel. 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: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

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

At Dr. Maria Cristina Sovarel'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. Sovarel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them at Dr. Sovarel's practice is consistently achieving the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.
• Patients presenting with a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again under Dr. Sovarel's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their family members also benefiting from improved oral health knowledge shared from the patient's visits without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Patients experiencing a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Sovarel's practice, a key objective is successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• With Dr. Sovarel's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about is focused on achieving their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Sovarel's practice, a dental office in St. Albert, is situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood of St. Albert. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Albert Centre Mall and is accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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

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

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

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 to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or to plan more complex treatments. Dr. Sovarel will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Sovarel is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals for less complex cases), simple extractions, and initial management of gum disease. Cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding may also be offered. Dr. Sovarel also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when necessary for more complex dental needs.

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

At your first appointment, Dr. Sovarel and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals you have, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Based on this, Dr. Sovarel will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask questions.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of our clinic’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (780) 458-1991. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Sovarel or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the St. Albert area.

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. 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). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

502-1 TACHE ST
St. Albert, AB, T8N 1B4

Phone: (780) 458-1991

Dr. Maria Cristina Sovarel 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. Sovarel 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.