Dr. Thomas A. Shackleton – Dentist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Thomas A. Shackleton is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Shackleton is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shackleton 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. Shackleton 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. Shackleton 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. Shackleton 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. Thomas A. Shackleton earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Shackleton brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Shackleton offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers) and General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. Dr. Shackleton is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Shackleton's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Shackleton 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. Shackleton provides consultations in English.

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

Tmj Disorders Bruxism

• Jaw Pain, Clicking, Popping, or Locking (TMJ Symptoms): Symptoms highly suggestive of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) requiring thorough diagnosis and a tailored management plan.
• Limited Jaw Opening (Trismus) or Difficulty Chewing Comfortably: Functional limitations of the jaw movement and masticatory system that require careful assessment and appropriate treatment.
• Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism) - Day or Night: Addressing the underlying causes and direct consequences of involuntary parafunctional teeth grinding and clenching habits.

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Seeking subtle, balanced, and natural-looking enhancements to their facial aesthetics to achieve a more youthful and harmonious appearance.
• Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Addressing common dynamic wrinkles in the forehead, between the brows (glabella), and around the eyes (crow's feet) with injectable treatments.

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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Shackleton. 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 Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Dermal Filler Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation & Contouring (If Certified): Providing safe and effective facial rejuvenation and contouring options with dermal fillers, focusing on subtle, natural-looking enhancements that complement your dental aesthetics.
• Neuromodulator Treatments (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®) for Therapeutic & Cosmetic Uses: Providing carefully administered injectable treatments with neuromodulators for a range of functional and cosmetic concerns of the face and jaw, tailored to individual patient needs and anatomy.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.

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

At Dr. Thomas A. Shackleton'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. Shackleton frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Shackleton expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their teeth feeling overly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli is a common journey for patients under Dr. Shackleton's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, so that daily routines and pleasures like feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos become straightforward again.
• Dr. Shackleton's comprehensive care for an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention is meticulously designed to result in a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness without dental worries.
• Dr. Shackleton understands that dealing with their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Shackleton's practice is a dental office in Calgary, situated in the SW: Killarney, Glendale, Glenbrook neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Restaurants & Shops and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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. 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. Shackleton 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 through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify your potential public coverage eligibility and check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before treatment.

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

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

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Shackleton will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits for active gum disease or high caries risk). Follow Dr. Shackleton's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Shackleton is the primary dental care provider, 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. They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs.

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

No, a referral is not typically required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact the clinic directly.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), and sometimes bad breath. Periodontitis may show receding gums, pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, or bite changes. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Shackleton if you notice these symptoms.

#18 - 3919 Richmond Road S.W.
Calgary, AB, T3E 4P2

Phone: (403) 242-9952

Dr. Thomas A. Shackleton 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. Shackleton 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.