Dr. Robert W. Straga – Dentist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Robert W. Straga is a Periodontist. Practicing at a periodontist practice in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Straga is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Straga 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. As a certified specialist in Periodontics, Dr. Straga focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Services include non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapies, gum grafting, bone grafting, and the surgical placement and maintenance of dental implants, as well as management of peri-implant diseases. Dr. Straga 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 W. Straga earned a Dental Degree. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery. Dr. Straga brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Straga is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Straga's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Straga provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. Robert W. Straga addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Receding Gums Bone Loss

• Significant Gum Recession or Localized Jawbone Loss Requiring Augmentation: Noticeable and progressive gum recession exposing sensitive tooth roots, or insufficient jawbone volume in areas of missing teeth (often due to previous extractions or gum disease), requiring surgical grafting procedures (soft tissue grafts for gums, bone grafts for jawbone) by a periodontist or oral surgeon to restore tissue, improve aesthetics, facilitate implant placement, or prevent further deterioration.

Peri Implantitis Mucositis

• Inflammation or Infection Around Dental Implants (Peri-Implant Mucositis/Peri-Implantitis): Signs of gum inflammation (redness, swelling, bleeding) around a dental implant (peri-implant mucositis), or more advanced infection involving bone loss around the implant (peri-implantitis), requiring prompt specialist care.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Comprehensive Periodontal Examination & Diagnosis: Specialist evaluation to determine the extent and severity of periodontal disease and create a tailored treatment plan.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (Scaling & Root Planing): The foundational treatment for periodontitis, aimed at controlling infection and inflammation.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• 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.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Periodontics & Implant Surgery, Dr. Straga is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. Robert W. Straga's practice, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral) can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth under Dr. Straga's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity without the former limitations or discomfort.
• If needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect is preventing you from fully enjoying easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums or causing discomfort, Dr. Straga offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Effectively addressing a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal with Dr. Straga's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain and social interactions.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort with Dr. Straga's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work once more.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Straga, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Straga is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Straga's practice, a dental office in Edmonton, is situated in the Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Edmonton Elks CFL Team and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Straga 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. Straga for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Straga 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. Straga's specific recommendation for 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 also used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Straga 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).

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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is important 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.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Straga 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. Straga will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

9636 - 102A Avenue
Edmonton, AB, T5H 0G5

Phone: (780) 428-6788

Dr. Robert W. Straga is a licensed Periodontist 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. Straga 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.