Dr. Sarah J. Piepgrass-Gander – Dentist | Grande Prairie, AB

Dr. Sarah J. Piepgrass-Gander is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Grande Prairie, AB, Dr. Piepgrass-Gander is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Piepgrass-Gander 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. Piepgrass-Gander 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. Piepgrass-Gander 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. Sarah J. Piepgrass-Gander earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Piepgrass-Gander brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Piepgrass-Gander 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. Piepgrass-Gander is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Piepgrass-Gander's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Piepgrass-Gander provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.
• 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.

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. Piepgrass-Gander. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• 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. Piepgrass-Gander. 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. Sarah J. Piepgrass-Gander adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

At Dr. Sarah J. Piepgrass-Gander'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. Piepgrass-Gander frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Piepgrass-Gander's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma often find they can readily achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• If their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Piepgrass-Gander develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
• Are you struggling with a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident? Dr. Piepgrass-Gander partners with patients to target their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments a much more achievable reality.
• At Dr. Piepgrass-Gander's clinic, addressing a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered means focusing on patient goals. Achieving achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.

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

Dr. Piepgrass-Gander's practice, a dental office in Grande Prairie, is situated in the West Grande Prairie, Westpointe, Pinnacle Ridge neighborhood of Grande Prairie. The clinic is conveniently located near Montrose Cultural Centre (Art Gallery, Library) and is accessible via Grande Prairie Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Piepgrass-Gander will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Piepgrass-Gander's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Piepgrass-Gander?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Piepgrass-Gander 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 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at the clinic.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Piepgrass-Gander typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Piepgrass-Gander 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, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients 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 to further minimize exposure. 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. Piepgrass-Gander 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. Piepgrass-Gander at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Piepgrass-Gander 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 you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Piepgrass-Gander will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

104, 6815 Kateri Drive
Grande Prairie, AB, T8W 0H2

Phone: (780) 296-4075

Dr. Sarah J. Piepgrass-Gander 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. Piepgrass-Gander 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.