Dr. Poonam Chowdhury

Dr. Poonam Chowdhury 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.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.

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

At Dr. Poonam Chowdhury'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. Chowdhury frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chowdhury understands that dealing with their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, helping patients comfortably get back to confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions and feeling their best.
• Overcoming or effectively managing wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent is a common journey for patients under Dr. Chowdhury's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized, so that daily routines and pleasures like no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out become straightforward again.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath, Dr. Chowdhury offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• Understanding the frustration a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them can cause, Dr. Chowdhury tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures, allowing for renewed participation in activities like kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.

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

Dr. Chowdhury's practice is a modern dental office located in the SE: Summerside, The Orchards at Ellerslie neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Major Concerts and is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including the LRT and bus routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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. Chowdhury.

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 <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or 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.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Chowdhury 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Chowdhury will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chowdhury 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 (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Chowdhury's specific recommendation is crucial.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chowdhury will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and adheres to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some specialists may accept patients directly, it's often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Chowdhury. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information. If Dr. Chowdhury identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chowdhury is the primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

3923 - 34 Street
Edmonton, AB, T6T 1L5

Phone: (780) 951-0502

Dr. Poonam Chowdhury 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. Chowdhury 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.