Dr. Terri L. Pukanich – Dentist | Slave Lake, AB

Dr. Terri L. Pukanich is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in Slave Lake, AB, Dr. Pukanich is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Pukanich 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. Pukanich 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. Pukanich 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. Pukanich 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. Pukanich serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Terri L. Pukanich earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Pukanich brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Pukanich 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. Pukanich is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Pukanich's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Pukanich provides consultations in English.

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

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): 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Exploring options like neuromodulators and/or dermal fillers, often in combination, to address various signs of facial aging or enhance specific features.
• Facial Volume Loss or Desire for Contour Enhancement (Cheeks, Lips, Jawline, Temples): Concerns about age-related loss of facial volume in areas like the cheeks or temples, or wishing to enhance or define facial contours such as lips or jawline using injectable dermal fillers.
• Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Concerns about the appearance of wrinkles that become noticeable with facial expressions (e.g., frowning, smiling, raising eyebrows), seeking non-surgical treatments like neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) for a smoother appearance.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• 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.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Enhancing overall smile appearance by aesthetically contouring and sculpting the gum tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth.

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

At Dr. Terri L. Pukanich'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. Pukanich frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to passing on good oral hygiene habits and a positive attitude towards dental care to their children, Dr. Pukanich and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option and a return to comfort and confidence.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Pukanich to see patients who were troubled by a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them successfully achieve no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.
• Patients experiencing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Pukanich's practice, a key objective is gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
• At Dr. Pukanich's clinic, addressing experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.

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

Dr. Pukanich's practice, a dental office in Slave Lake, is situated in a central location within the Slave Lake neighborhood of Slave Lake. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Pukanich. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing to clean between teeth, minimizing consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings at our clinic. For extra defense, especially in children, Dr. Pukanich might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Pukanich.

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, social assistance recipients). It is strongly recommended that patients verify any potential public coverage they might be eligible for and always check the details of their private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at the clinic.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Pukanich 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. Pukanich will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Pukanich 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 on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Pukanich may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management based on additional training.

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 between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Pukanich 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).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Pukanich will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It is important to follow Dr. Pukanich's specific recommendation.

Box 388
Slave Lake, AB, T0G 2A0

Phone: (780) 849-2233

Dr. Terri L. Pukanich 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. Pukanich 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.