Dr. Shawna M. Kufley – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Shawna M. Kufley is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Kufley is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kufley 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. Kufley 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. Kufley 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. Kufley 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. Shawna M. Kufley earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Kufley brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Kufley offers a broad range of dental services and has particular interests and developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Kufley is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide patients with the most up-to-date dental care and treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Kufley's dental practice philosophy include a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Kufley provides consultations in English.

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Seeking strategies, desensitization techniques, or appropriate sedation options to manage a strong gag reflex during necessary dental care.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Facing comprehensive dental work that could be better managed with the help of sedation to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and allow more treatment to be completed in fewer visits.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Kufley. 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.
• Dental Bonding (Composite Resin Veneers/Restorations): Artistic application and sculpting of tooth-coloured composite resin directly onto teeth to repair chips, close small gaps (diastemas), improve tooth shape, lengthen teeth, or cover discolouration, typically completed in a single dental visit.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Shawna M. Kufley'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. Kufley frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Kufley's practice, a key objective is finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought.
• With Dr. Kufley's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention is focused on achieving their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain without dental concerns.
• Understanding the frustration their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening can cause, Dr. Kufley tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth, allowing for renewed participation in activities like simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• When a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments, Dr. Kufley and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Kufley's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the SE: Acadia, Fairview, Willow Park East neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Restaurants & Shops and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Kufley typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Kufley 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, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Kufley also provides patient education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Kufley 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. Kufley 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 from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Kufley. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Kufley identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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, 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). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Kufley offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Kufley understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, the clinic offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Kufley 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. Kufley for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, check-ups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Kufley will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Follow Dr. Kufley's specific recommendations.

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

No, a referral is not typically required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Kufley.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kufley will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

3150-324 58 Ave SE
Calgary, AB, T2H 0P1

Phone: (403) 252-1444

Dr. Shawna M. Kufley 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. Kufley 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.