Dr. Richard W. Lee is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Leduc, AB, Dr. Lee is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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. Lee 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. Further, Dr. Lee offers facial esthetic treatments using therapeutic neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® for bruxism, TMJ pain, or cosmetic enhancement of the upper face such as frown lines and crow's feet) and/or dermal fillers to complement dental aesthetics, address facial harmony, and rejuvenate facial appearance, based on their specific certified training levels. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at the clinic.
Dr. Richard W. Lee earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Lee brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Lee offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers) and General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Lee is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Lee remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and treatment methodologies, constantly striving to provide patients with the best possible care and outcomes.
Key aspects of Dr. Lee's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Lee provides consultations in English.
Dr. Richard W. Lee provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
Tmj Disorders Bruxism
- 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): Symptoms highly suggestive of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) requiring thorough diagnosis and a tailored management plan.
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism) - Day or Night: Awareness of, or reported symptoms related to, habitual or unconscious teeth grinding (attrition facets, worn enamel) or clenching (jaw soreness, muscle hypertrophy), occurring during the day or, more commonly, at night during sleep.
Special Needs Dental Care Peds
- Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.
- Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
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. Lee. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
- 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.
- Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
- Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
- TMJ/TMD Assessment, Diagnosis & Orofacial Pain Evaluation: Diagnosing various temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and other orofacial pain conditions through a detailed patient history, thorough clinical examination, and, if necessary, adjunctive diagnostic aids or imaging.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Lee. 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 W. Lee adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
At Dr. Richard W. Lee'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. Lee frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- If a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lee develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile.
- For those affected by a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture, Dr. Lee provides solutions that lead to their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication.
- Dr. Lee often consults with patients whose a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns significantly limits their enjoyment of no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
- Dr. Lee's comprehensive care for a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal is meticulously designed to result in their gums appearing consistently healthy, pink, and firm, without any signs of puffiness or inflammation. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet without dental worries.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Lee, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall wellness objectives. Dr. Lee is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Lee's practice, a dental office in Leduc, is situated in the Leduc City, Leduc Business Park, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) Area, Nisku Industrial Park neighborhood of Leduc. The clinic is conveniently located near Telford House and is accessible via Leduc Transit (including routes to EIA & Edmonton). 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. Lee?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Lee 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. Lee for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Lee 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 might 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. Following Dr. Lee's specific recommendation is crucial for optimal oral health.
- I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Lee offer any sedation options?
- Yes, Dr. Lee understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, the clinic offers various sedation options, which may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Lee during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.
- What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?
- Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Lee can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Lee can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist if appropriate.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Lee typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Lee 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). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.
- 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. 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. Lee 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Lee at the clinic?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Lee 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. Lee will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- In AB, provincial health plans like AHCIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket or through private dental insurance. Check your private dental insurance details and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before treatment.
#103, 4710 - 50 Street
Leduc, AB, T9E 6W2
Phone: (780) 986-6500
Dr. Richard W. Lee 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. Lee 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.