About
Dr. Steven M. Ponich is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in St. Albert, AB, Dr. Ponich is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ponich 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. Ponich 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. Ponich 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. Ponich 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. Ponich 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. Steven M. Ponich earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Ponich brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Ponich 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. Ponich is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Ponich's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Ponich provides consultations in English.
Dr. Steven M. Ponich 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
- 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.
Gum Disease Initial
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
- Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
Dental Pain Emergency
- Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
- Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
- Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
Tooth Decay Cavities
- Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ponich. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
- Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
- Occlusal Splints / Night Guards / Bite Guards for Bruxism & TMJ Disorders: Personalized occlusal guards designed to reduce jaw pain, headaches, and prevent further dental damage that can be caused by habitual clenching or grinding of teeth.
- Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
- Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ponich. 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. Steven M. Ponich adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
At Dr. Steven M. Ponich'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. Ponich frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- The journey from ongoing concerns about bad breath that they believed might be related to a hidden dental infection or persistent gum problem to wellness often involves Dr. Ponich's dedicated care. The milestone is the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, which opens the door back to activities such as their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
- With Dr. Ponich's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected is focused on achieving a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth without dental concerns.
- Are you struggling with needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain? Dr. Ponich partners with patients to target the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums a much more achievable reality.
- A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Ponich about having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard is to attain their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Ponich, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Ponich is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Ponich's practice, a dental office in St. Albert, is situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood of St. Albert. The clinic is conveniently located near The Enjoy Centre and is accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.
- What is the process for becoming a new patient at our clinic with Dr. Ponich?
- We welcome new patients to our clinic! To become a new patient with Dr. Ponich, please call our office at (780) 458-8999 or visit our website at if online booking is available. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Ponich for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Ponich 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 important to follow Dr. Ponich's specific recommendations.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ponich at the clinic?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Ponich and the team at the clinic 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. Ponich will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.
- 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 by AHCIP. 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). It is crucial 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 are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?
- Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) often include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes persistent bad breath. If it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice receding gums (teeth appearing longer), pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ponich promptly.
- 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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Ponich 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).
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Ponich?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Ponich for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Ponich typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Ponich is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding, if offered). They also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Ponich may also offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management based on additional training.
107, 31 Fairview Blvd.
St. Albert, AB, T8N 3M5
Phone: (780) 458-8999
Dr. Steven M. Ponich 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. Ponich 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.