Dr. Paul W. West

Dr. Paul W. West 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

• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

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

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation ('Laughing Gas'): Helping patients of most ages feel significantly calmer, more relaxed, and at ease during their dental treatment with the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Offering IV sedation, administered and monitored by a qualified provider, for patients requiring a higher level of anxiolysis, amnesia, and comfort to complete their dental care safely.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.

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

At Dr. Paul W. West'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. West frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. West develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• Patients presenting with their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence under Dr. West's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. West when they first notice a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, enabling them to once again enjoy no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems without hesitation.
• Through Dr. West's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection often find they can readily achieve no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like confidently recommending their dentist, {preferred_name}, to friends and family based on their positive experiences.

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

Dr. West's practice, a dental office in Lacombe, is situated in a central location within the Lacombe neighborhood of Lacombe. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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). We strongly advise you to verify any potential public coverage you might 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.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. West 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. West for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, we generally recommend check-ups and cleanings every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. West 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 visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. West's specific recommendations.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. West and the team 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. West will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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. We use protective lead aprons 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. West 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).

5015 - 51 Street
Lacombe, AB, T4L 2A3

Phone: (403) 782-3755

Dr. Paul W. West 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. West 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.