Dr. Richard J. Palmer – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Richard J. Palmer is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Palmer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Palmer 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. Palmer 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. Palmer 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. Richard J. Palmer earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Palmer brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Palmer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Palmer remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. This dedication to professional growth reflects Dr. Palmer's unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care.

Key aspects of Dr. Palmer's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Palmer provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• 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.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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

At Dr. Richard J. Palmer'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. Palmer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite under Dr. Palmer's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Palmer when they first notice wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed, enabling them to once again enjoy their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends without hesitation.
• Many people seek Dr. Palmer's professional help and expertise when dealing with a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• For those affected by ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem, Dr. Palmer provides solutions that lead to their child having fewer cavities due to improved dietary habits and hygiene practices taught at the clinic. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances.

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

Dr. Palmer's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the NW: Banff Trail, Capitol Hill, University Heights neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near McMahon Stadium and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Palmer. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing to clean between teeth, minimizing consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings at our clinic. For extra defense, especially in children, Dr. Palmer might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

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, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Palmer 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).

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Palmer 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). Dr. Palmer also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Palmer 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. Palmer 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.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In AB, 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Palmer will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Palmer's specific recommendation.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of our clinic's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of our clinic’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (403) 289-9922. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Palmer or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Calgary area.

101- 3919 Brentwood Rd. NW
Calgary, AB, T2L 1L1

Phone: (403) 289-9922

Dr. Richard J. Palmer 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. Palmer 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.