Dr. Terry-Lee Alston

Dr. Terry-Lee Alston 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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Looking for a dentist experienced in specific techniques and approaches to help patients with sensitive gag reflexes receive comfortable and effective treatment.

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

• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Dr. Terry-Lee Alston'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. Alston frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Alston to see patients who were troubled by concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly successfully achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.
• At Dr. Alston's clinic, addressing their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli means focusing on patient goals. Achieving an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• For patients where experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease is a primary concern, Dr. Alston focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet.
• If a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing is preventing you from fully enjoying kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort or causing discomfort, Dr. Alston offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Alston's practice, a dental office in Strathmore, is situated in a central location within the Strathmore neighborhood of Strathmore. 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.

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 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). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

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. Alston.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Alston and the team will get to know you and your oral health. Expect a medical history form, a discussion about dental issues or goals, a detailed mouth examination, and possibly digital X-rays. Dr. Alston will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Alston will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual needs, risk factors (cavities or gum disease), and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Alston's specific recommendation.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, checking for decay, assessing bone health, or planning complex treatments). Dr. Alston will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Alston provides primary dental care for all ages, offering 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 gum disease management, and possibly cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

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

Yes, Dr. Alston understands dental anxiety. Our clinic offers various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation [LLM: This assumes Dr. Alston has the necessary certifications; if not, adjust the answer accordingly]. Discuss your anxiety with Dr. Alston during your consultation to determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

115 2 Ave, Bag 2999
Strathmore, AB, T1P 1L5

Phone: (403) 934-5620

Dr. Terry-Lee Alston 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. Alston 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.