Dr. Terry T. Mah

Dr. Terry T. Mah 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

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• 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.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.

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

At Dr. Terry T. Mah'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. Mah frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain can cause, Dr. Mah tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance, allowing for renewed participation in activities like enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• Through Dr. Mah's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching often find they can readily achieve the rough or sharp edge on their tooth being smoothed out, eliminating irritation and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• At Dr. Mah's clinic, addressing a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially means focusing on patient goals. Achieving a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
• With Dr. Mah's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about is focused on achieving their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Mah's practice, a dental office in Red Deer, is situated in the South Red Deer (Anders Park, Morrisroe, Inglewood) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Clearview Market Square and is accessible via Red Deer Transit. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Mah for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Mah will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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 are at high risk for cavities, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between visits. It is important to follow Dr. Mah's specific recommendation for your optimal oral health.

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 always used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Mah 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you may 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mah at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Mah and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Mah will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

177, 4900 Molly Bannister Drive
Red Deer, AB, T4R 1N9

Phone: (403) 347-8008

Dr. Terry T. Mah 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. Mah 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.