Dr. Michelle L. McIntosh – Dentist | Taber, AB

Dr. Michelle L. McIntosh is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Taber, AB, Dr. McIntosh is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. McIntosh 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. McIntosh 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. McIntosh 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. McIntosh 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. Michelle L. McIntosh earned a Dental Degree. Dr. McIntosh brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. McIntosh 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. McIntosh is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. McIntosh's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. McIntosh provides consultations in English.

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

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.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Desire to soften and reduce the visibility of expression lines in the upper face for a more youthful, refreshed, and rested appearance.
• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Seeking subtle, balanced, and natural-looking enhancements to their facial aesthetics to achieve a more youthful and harmonious appearance.
• Facial Volume Loss or Desire for Contour Enhancement (Cheeks, Lips, Jawline, Temples): Addressing undesirable changes in facial shape, proportions, or the appearance of static lines and folds with appropriately chosen injectable filler treatments.

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

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• 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.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• 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.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Michelle L. McIntosh'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. McIntosh frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development has unfortunately put their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. McIntosh works closely with patients towards attaining their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Many people seek Dr. McIntosh's professional help and expertise when dealing with their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral). The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile.
• Are you struggling with their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli? Dr. McIntosh partners with patients to target their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain a much more achievable reality.
• Dr. McIntosh often consults with patients whose their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure significantly limits their enjoyment of kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. McIntosh's practice, a dental office in Taber, is situated in a central location within the Taber neighborhood of Taber. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 crucial 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.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. McIntosh and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. McIntosh will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. McIntosh 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 individuals 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. It is essential to follow Dr. McIntosh's specific recommendations.

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

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

5220 48 AVE
Taber, AB, T1G 1S1

Phone: (403) 652-2182

Dr. Michelle L. McIntosh 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. McIntosh 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.