Dr. Salima Shariff-Lakhani – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Salima Shariff-Lakhani is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Shariff-Lakhani is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shariff-Lakhani 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. Shariff-Lakhani 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. Shariff-Lakhani 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. Salima Shariff-Lakhani earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Shariff-Lakhani brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Shariff-Lakhani 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, reflecting a dedication to providing the highest standard of care. This ongoing professional development allows Dr. Shariff-Lakhani to stay at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques.

Key aspects of Dr. Shariff-Lakhani's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Shariff-Lakhani provides consultations in English.

Dr. Salima Shariff-Lakhani 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

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Shariff-Lakhani. 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: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

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

At Dr. Salima Shariff-Lakhani'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. Shariff-Lakhani frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming, Dr. Shariff-Lakhani outlines a path to their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• Are you struggling with wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth? Dr. Shariff-Lakhani partners with patients to target the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments a much more achievable reality.
• For individuals troubled by their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing, Dr. Shariff-Lakhani's approach is focused on delivering a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health with a healthier smile.
• Effectively addressing feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning with Dr. Shariff-Lakhani's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, 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.

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

Dr. Shariff-Lakhani's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the SE: McKenzie Lake, McKenzie Towne, Cranston neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Rockyview General Hospital and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Shariff-Lakhani 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. Shariff-Lakhani typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Shariff-Lakhani 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 may include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Shariff-Lakhani 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. Shariff-Lakhani 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.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Shariff-Lakhani?

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

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. 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). Government assistance programs may cover dental care for eligible groups such as low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. Always check your private dental insurance details and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Shariff-Lakhani 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 might need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others may have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Shariff-Lakhani's specific recommendations.

#448, 11520 - 24 Street S.E.
Calgary, AB, T2Z 3E9

Phone: (403) 236-4443

Dr. Salima Shariff-Lakhani 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. Shariff-Lakhani 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.