Dr. Rajiv G. Bhanwath

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

Tmj Disorders Bruxism

• Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism) - Day or Night: Seeking effective solutions to manage bruxism, protect teeth from further damage and wear, and alleviate associated muscle pain or headaches.
• Limited Jaw Opening (Trismus) or Difficulty Chewing Comfortably: Experiencing a noticeable restriction in how wide the mouth can be opened (trismus), or encountering pain, fatigue, or difficulty when chewing food effectively.
• Jaw Pain, Clicking, Popping, or Locking (TMJ Symptoms): Addressing issues related to jaw joint function, muscle strain, and associated orofacial pain.

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.
• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Seeking a dental environment and care approach that is understanding, patient, and supportive of dental fears.

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Exploring options like neuromodulators and/or dermal fillers, often in combination, to address various signs of facial aging or enhance specific features.
• Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Addressing common dynamic wrinkles in the forehead, between the brows (glabella), and around the eyes (crow's feet) with injectable treatments.
• Facial Volume Loss or Desire for Contour Enhancement (Cheeks, Lips, Jawline, Temples): Concerns about age-related loss of facial volume in areas like the cheeks or temples, or wishing to enhance or define facial contours such as lips or jawline using injectable dermal fillers.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Patients with extensive restorative, surgical, or cosmetic needs who may benefit from sedation for a more manageable and positive dental experience.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.

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

At Dr. Rajiv G. Bhanwath'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. Bhanwath frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease with Dr. Bhanwath's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence and social interactions.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem with Dr. Bhanwath's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort once more.
• Overcoming or effectively managing needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) is a common journey for patients under Dr. Bhanwath's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, so that daily routines and pleasures like their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments become straightforward again.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Bhanwath about a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces is to attain the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.

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

Dr. Bhanwath's practice, a dental office in Medicine Hat, is situated in the NE Crescent Heights, Ranchlands neighborhood of Medicine Hat. The clinic is conveniently located near Cultural Centre (Library, Theatre) 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. Bhanwath for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Bhanwath will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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 health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Bhanwath's specific recommendation for 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 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 patients to verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and to always check the details of their 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. Bhanwath at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Bhanwath 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. Bhanwath 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.

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

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. Bhanwath.

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. Bhanwath 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bhanwath is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding if offered). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Bhanwath may offer specialized services in areas like Comprehensive General Dentistry based on additional training.

2020 Strachan Road
Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 0M9

Phone: (403) 548-0007

Dr. Rajiv G. Bhanwath 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. Bhanwath 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.