Dr. Shawn B. Heggie – Dentist | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Shawn B. Heggie is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in Lethbridge, AB, Dr. Heggie is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Heggie 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. Heggie 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. Heggie also 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. Dr. Heggie provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), and related orofacial pain conditions (such as myofascial pain). Treatment approaches are often conservative and non-surgical, potentially including occlusal splints (night guards), patient education, therapeutic exercises, and, if certified, the use of neuromodulators for muscle relaxation or pain relief. Dr. Heggie 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. Shawn B. Heggie earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Heggie brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Heggie offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management and General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers). Dr. Heggie is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Heggie remains at the forefront of advancements in dentistry, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and innovative treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Heggie's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Heggie provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shawn B. Heggie provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Desire to soften and reduce the visibility of expression lines in the upper face for a more youthful, refreshed, and rested appearance.
• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Interest in minimally invasive injectable treatments to refresh, revitalize, and rejuvenate overall facial appearance without the need for surgical procedures.

Tmj Disorders Bruxism

• Jaw Pain, Clicking, Popping, or Locking (TMJ Symptoms): Experiencing pain, discomfort, clicking sounds, popping sensations, or episodes of jaw locking in the jaw joint (TMJ) or surrounding facial muscles.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At Dr. Shawn B. Heggie'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. Heggie frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant, Dr. Heggie provides solutions that lead to their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns at Dr. Heggie's practice is consistently achieving their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends.
• Understanding the frustration a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems can cause, Dr. Heggie tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• Are you struggling with a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal? Dr. Heggie partners with patients to target their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Heggie's practice, a dental office in Lethbridge, is situated in the South Lethbridge West (University area) neighborhood of Lethbridge. The clinic is conveniently located near Connects North/South and is accessible via Lethbridge Transit. 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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Heggie 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.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Heggie 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 visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Heggie's specific recommendation.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Heggie 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. Heggie at the clinic?

Your first visit 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. Heggie 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.

335 Columbia Blvd Wets
Lethbridge, AB, T1K 5Y8

Phone: (403) 752-4545

Dr. Shawn B. Heggie 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. Heggie 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.