Dr. Nickolaos Douvis – Dentist | Medicine Hat, AB

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

Key aspects of Dr. Douvis's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Douvis 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. Douvis provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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): 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• 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. Douvis. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.
• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Administering a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask for mild anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) and relaxation during dental procedures; suitable for both adults and children with mild to moderate dental apprehension.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Professional-grade bleaching solutions and techniques to achieve a noticeably whiter, more vibrant, and radiant smile under dental supervision.

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

At Dr. Nickolaos Douvis'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. Douvis frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Douvis's comprehensive care for their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth is meticulously designed to result in their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain without dental worries.
• Dr. Douvis expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed, means they can happily and comfortably get back to getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Douvis to see patients who were troubled by a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about successfully achieve their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits with Dr. Douvis's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child participating happily in school photos and social activities once more.

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

Dr. Douvis'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 Co-op Place (Arena) and is accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Douvis 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. 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 between visits. It is crucial to follow Dr. Douvis's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered under AHCIP. 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, or social assistance recipients). It's essential to 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.

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

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

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

Your first visit with Dr. Douvis 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. Douvis 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.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Douvis 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) to ensure the lowest possible radiation dose while obtaining necessary diagnostic information.

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

Phone: (403) 526-5991

Dr. Nickolaos Douvis 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. Douvis 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.