Dr. Robert M. Schow is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in High River, AB, Dr. Schow is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Schow 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. Schow 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. Schow 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. Dr. Schow 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. Robert M. Schow earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Schow brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Schow offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Schow is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.
Key aspects of Dr. Schow's dental practice philosophy include fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Schow provides consultations in English.
Dr. Robert M. Schow 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.
- Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
- 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: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.
Special Needs Dental Care Peds
- Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
- Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Schow. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
- Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Minor surgical or laser-assisted gum reshaping to create a more balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious smile by optimizing the gingival architecture.
- Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
- Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
- Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Schow. 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. Robert M. Schow adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
At Dr. Robert M. Schow'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. Schow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- The primary focus for patients seeking help for concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly at Dr. Schow's practice is consistently achieving a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
- Dr. Schow often consults with patients whose wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation significantly limits their enjoyment of feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
- If recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit is preventing you from fully enjoying their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them or causing discomfort, Dr. Schow offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
- The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time, involves working systematically towards experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). Dr. Schow expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Schow, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Schow is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Schow's practice, a dental office in High River, is situated in a central location within the High River neighborhood of High River. 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.
- I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Schow offer any sedation options?
- Yes, Dr. Schow understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, our clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Schow during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Schow for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Schow 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 between appointments. Following Dr. Schow's specific recommendation is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.
- 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 always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Schow 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. Schow typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Schow is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, 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). Dr. Schow also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- In Alberta, provincial health plans like AHCIP typically do NOT 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). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage and to check the details of your private dental insurance before treatment.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Schow?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Schow for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Schow at the clinic?
- Your first visit will 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. Schow will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.
201, 103 - 3 Avenue SW
High River, AB, T1V 1M5
Phone: (403) 603-3364
Dr. Robert M. Schow 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. Schow 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.